Stanford river talk june 2016

STANFORD RIVER TALK Volume 129 | JUNE 2016 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R15

e s i d a r a p y r t n Cou

Hops on the Hills Craft beer festival 18 June, featuring Louise Carver and Watershed.

Call for further info.

Tasting Room open 7 days a week, 8:30 - 17:00

STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

ed's notes I have always been pleased that my birthday falls in wintertime, and I have often considered that as the reason why I am happier in woolly layers and socks, than I am in suncream and sandals; it must have started at birth. The cold, so brutal in nature and the cause of so much suffering of those without shelter, leaves nowhere to hide. Trees stand bare, the sky appears clearer and the river fills with water from swollen underground springs and rainfall. But winter in Stanford is filled with pink-nosed excitement, bright shining eyes and bubbling ideas of fun.

Who's game enough to jump into the Klein River at the bottom of King Street on 18 June to raise funds for Stanford's soup kitchens? If a steaming mug of glüwein is not enough to tempt you, do it for fun, and drag your friends with you to support Rotary's Penguin Plunge (News and Updates, Pages 4-6). Stanford schools have also been busy with winter sports, canoeing clubs and excursions in the lead up to the mid-year examinations (School Talk, Pages 8-9). The Ward Report includes interesting updates on the housing issues in Stanford, as the Overstrand Municipality attempts to communicate more clearly with residents.

June is when we celebrate Father's Day and Andrea Conrad suggests how to spoil the fathers in Shop Talk (Page 13). Craig Templer, one of the first columnists of Stanford River Talk writes about his years in Stanford and his energy and enthusiasm for this little village will charm and motivate you (The Villagers, page 7). Martin Ranger considers coming out of retirement (Soapbox, Page 12) and Andrew Herriot remembers how best to make an opening (Living Soundtrack, page 15).

On a personal note, thank you to the columnists and reporters who shared their ideas, words and pictures so generously. Thank you also to the readers whose encouragement and engagement kept this publication alive with energy. Stanford River Talk is taking a new fork in the road as the owners sell, and this means it is time for me too, to hop off this most excellent ride.

STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!

Stanford River Talk will live on...

We are delighted to announce that someone has stepped forward to make sure that our beloved community newspaper continues.

So! The July issue will be printed and the new owner will take up the reins as from the August issue.

We have no doubt that advertisers and readers will continue to give the newspaper their support, and we thank all of you for being the cornerstone of the publication. We have worked alongside you for the past seven years and with the change there will be new life and growth.

Special mention of Philippa Murray must be made at this point. As the editor, she has led SRT from strength to strength over the last three years. We are extremely grateful that she continued with the quality and spirit of the newspaper and added her unique voice to the overall style. Thank you, Phil, for your contribution and we wish you all the best in your next post.

So it leaves us to just say thank you Stanford, and long live SRT!

Sandra and Michelle

can you dance? can you sing? can you act? do you want to be part of a musical?

THEN JOIN US FOR THIS YEAR’S OPEN EVENING TO UNVEIL OUR 2016 DECEMBER SHOW THEME Tuesday 21 June, 6.30 pm at 12 Sannie Badenhorst Street Bring drinks, glasses will be supplied.

Please RSVP to rina@trade-secrets.co.za for seating purposes.

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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Write to us Please send your letters to ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 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.

THANK YOU

Big cats making a big impression: Lilitha Ntweni from Funimfundo drew her experience at Panthera Africa. Read more on Page 8.

Our heartfelt thanks goes once again to Doctor Pepler for responding to my urgent call at night when Wendy suddenly took ill. He was here in minutes and went about sorting out all the necessary arrangements.

We feel so very privileged to have such a caring doctor in our village.

Chris & Wendy Moll

Cover photograph taken by Phil Murray.

Traditional German Meat Products Available at • Stanford Saturday Morning Market • Ou Meul • Directly from Erwin Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za

SEND US YOUR NEWS contact us

ERWIN'S

STANFORD RIVER TALK

ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 079 523 8453 www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za

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MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Matt Chancey, Andrea Conrad, Suzanne FrancoisRossouw, Andrew Herriot, Mike Horn, Olga Koorts, Karen McKee, Rev Hildie Pansegrouw, Martin Ranger, Bryan Robertson, Naas Terblanche, Wanya van der Walt, Tania Weich and James Yeats.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 3

news and updates

WARD COMMITTEE FEEDBACK

Meeting held 23 May 2016 HOUSING ISSUE The recent illegal march was a result of the community’s frustration due to the perceived lack of progress in building the houses promised to the community. A list of grievances was provided to the municipality before the march and councillor Dudley Coetzee promised to formally respond within seven days. Since then, a number of meetings have been held with the community, the last one being a public meeting on 19 May where a Draft Housing Plan and Development Timetable were discussed.

The land for the housing development was bought from the chicken farm and only recently transferred into the municipality’s name. It now has to go through a number of regulatory processes such as rezoning from agriculture to residential (which includes an Environmental Impact Assessment process), an urban design process and the master planning for services such as roads, water, sewerage, electricity, etc.

All these processes take time and the plan is to commence with the building of the houses in 2018. The total project cost is R98 million made available by the National Department of Housing.

At the public meeting the municipality presented a preliminary layout of the area available, which comprised of 464 RDP houses (for households earning less than R3 500/month), 130 GAP houses (for households earning up to R15 000/month) and 207 serviced allotments (consisting of a house pad, water, electricity supply and toilet provisions). The provision of sports fields was rejected and a plea was made to rather make provision for a high school.

These and other needs, as well as the final layout, will be determined by the Social Compact (housing committee) elected.

CODE 10 LICENSES The issue of the number of learner drivers applying for Code 10 (truck) licenses is being reviewed. This code does not require reverse parking knowledge as per Code 8, but allows them to drive a car.

Hence many learners opt for this in preference to Code 8, resulting in many 'learner driver' trucks going very slowly around Hermanus.

DE BRUYN STREET Prototype concrete speed dips were tested in Pearly Beach and showed that a slight redesign is required. On Ward Committee level and at the recent Ratepayers AGM we were informed by our Ward Councillor that, once tested and proven, these will be tested in De Bruyn Street – hopefully in the 2016/17 financial year. Stanford Ratepayers undertook to provide written comment to Overstrand Municipality regarding the impact of developments and tourism applications along the Wortelgat Road and their implications for traffic on De Bruyn Street.

DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN STANFORD ADMINISTRATION AND CHAIRPERSONS OF STANFORD ORGANISATIONS: • Pre-paid electricity points of sale The Municipality had canvassed all likely businesses in Stanford with a view to increasing the number of places where electricity may be purchased, particularly outside of normal business hours. Such service providers enter into a direct contract with the electricity provider, not the municipality. Should a business be interested in this service, please contact the municipality.

• Damage due to illegal march A fire had been lit at the refuse dump on the day of the demonstrations and considerable damage was caused to the bins, retaining walls and ramp area. Quotations for repairs and rebuilding have been requested.

• The Eye There is concern about the poor maintenance and condition of the water pump station buildings at The Eye. The contract for water provision has been appealed and whilst this process is being resolved, only minimum maintenance is being carried out by the successful contractor.

• Poor communication The issue of poor communication of information from the Municipal staff, especially timely information concerning the housing issues and demonstration was discussed. It was suggested to use the municipal SMS system to alert residents about what is planned or likely to happen.

Bea Whittaker and Lyn Pullen STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

Keeping an eye on things The May Probus luncheon was a very special one in that we all met at Die Oog (the source of Stanford’s water supply) and had the privilege of being informed on site by Graig Niemand.

Graig has been a member of the Overstrand Municipality since 2004 and moved to Stanford in 2007. He looks after our water and sewerage and has intimate knowledge of the workings of Die Oog. He is also a Reservist Fire Fighter and co-ordinator, a Peace Officer and has a passion for snakes – a useful contact to assist when you are visited by one of these creatures in your home. In his minimal spare time he goes fishing on the coast with his seven year old son.

Surely Stanford was founded because of the unlimited pure water bubbling up from the fountain at Die Oog. The Archives, however, only reveal information from 1964 when the Town Clerk agreed to extend a building over the source to secure it and protect it from pollution.

In 1970 Engineers measured Die Oog’s output at 4,625,000 litres per day but agreed that the volume was already dropping. The next available records show in 1994 that an upgrade was undertaken. A new reservoir was built in order to get more pressure for the newly upgraded 22 kilowatt pumping system which managed to pump an astonishing 17 Litres per second (1,600,000 litres per day) to the village.

In 2008 a twin reservoir was added and linked to the original with an equal capacity and in 2013 a third upgrade took place with two new boreholes near the R43 supplying both reservoirs and the Informal Settlement at Die Kop. At present the village water is automatically pumped from 18:00 – 06:00 from these boreholes via the reservoirs and from 06:00 – 18:00 from Die Oog via the reservoirs. Should one system fail the other is a backup to ensure our water supply is not interrupted. This has been put to the test on recent occasions when thieves have damaged both the reservoir pumps and the pump in Die Oog building on different occasions of which we have been happily oblivious thanks to the efficiency of Graig and his team.

Next month’s luncheon will be held at The Royal Oak starting with an optional wine tasting at Sir Robert Stanford's tasting room and followed by a tour/ talk in their boutique distillery. Each guest will have the opportunity to choose two products from their range of grappa, liqueur and witzblitz to enjoy with the dessert.

Lyn Prins

Please note:

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR JULY EDITION STANFORD RIVER TALK IS

15 JUNE.

Contact Sandra at design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or 079 523 8453

We do blinds, curtains, shutters, awnings, vinyl flooring, novilon flooring and carpets.

For a free quotation call Burgert at 082 417 5590

news and updates

CPF News STANFORD’S ANGELS OF MERCY Special mention needs to be given to the community’s team of volunteers who support the women and children who have been abused and traumatised by violence, unfortunately often through domestic violence. They are very much part of a CPF programme called the Victims’ Empowerment Programme (VEP). Constable Constable Ali: The Anisa Ali is the SAPS co-ordinator of VEP, Victims' Empowerment but she is ably assisted by the volunteers’ Programme provides leader, Serina Buys, who reports back to the CPF Executive Committee on a monthly an excellent service to those in greatest need basis. They support victims by visiting their homes or by counselling them in the trauma room at the police station. Recently, our VEP team was inspected by a departmental Gender-and Violence-based committee, receiving a glowing report for their management of and efforts in, assisting victims of crime. In summary the report stated that, ‘Your standards are inspiring’. What a team!

In recognition of these caring efforts, Station Commander Winston Coetzee presented special SAPS certificates of appreciation to three volunteers of VEP, namely Serina Buys, Intombi Jacob and Jolene October.

DRUG-RELATED CRIMES SAPS reports that the ongoing scourge of drugs is responsible for the majority of crimes committed in Stanford. Even though the April crime statistics are encouraging, there is still much to be done to further reduce crime. Below are the figures for the number of dockets which were handled in April this year.

The year-on-year statistics 2015 – 2016 for the month of April are as follows: • Contact Crimes down from 13 to 8 • Property Crimes down from 9 to 5 • Thefts down from 9 to 4 • Police initiated arrests up from 23 to 28 • There were no murders • There was one case of in-house rape where the suspect was arrested.

Of the 62 crime dockets received for April this year, 54 went to court resulting in 23 convictions.

SCAM WARNING! Anyone who is contacted via an ‘SAPS SMS’ threatening that a case has been made against him or her, and that he or she should contact a certain senior police officer with details provided, must report this information immediately to our Station Commander, Captain Coetzee. It has been reported that, for a price, this ‘policeman’ will withdraw the case!

Stuart Anderson

School Chefs Competition The Private Hotel School and 'Food & Home Entertaining' have joined forces with the !NABA Food and Wine Festival, taking place 5-6 August in Upington for the brand new 2016 School Chefs Competition. Grade 11 and 12 pupils throughout South Africa were invited to enter by submitting a motivational letter and a 3 course menu. Taking inspiration from local SA ingredients. Kirra has been selected as one of the five finalists and will be traveling to Upington for the cook-off starting on 5 August where she will cook for the panel of judges.

One learner and their educator will stand the chance to win an all-inclusive bursary from The Up-and-coming Private Hotel School. Good luck Kirra! chef: Kirra Jardine.

Sandy Jardine

Songbirds from Stanford

Stanford contingent of ProMusica: (From left) Alex Chancey, Rachel Troost, Bea Whittaker, Jennie Chancey and Keith Brown.

Five Stanfordians recently toured Austria with the Hermanus Pro Musica Choir, which competed in two music festivals and took silver certificates in both. Keith Brown, Alex Chancey, Jennie Chancey, Rachel Troost and Bea Whittaker are all members of the choir and enjoyed visiting Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Salzburg and Vienna while singing in many beautiful cathedrals and theatres. For the grand finale, the choir sang with over 1 000 other voices in a Berlin Radio Symphony broadcast of Schubert's Mass No. 6 in E Flat Major, conducted by renowned British conductor Simon Halsey. While the trip was a truly spectacular adventure, all are happy to be back home in Stanford safe and sound!

Jennie Chancey

STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

Ten properties in Stanford were issued with sale certificates in May. These figures include name transfers.

OPEN

Mon - Fri: 9am till 4pm Sat: 9am till 1pm Klein River Farmstead offers an array of exceptional and award-winning South African cheeses.

All cheese is made using age-old artisanal methods and pasture-fed cow’s milk.

028 341 0693

www.kleinrivercheese.co.za R326, 7 km outside Stanford

STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

news and updates

ROTARY STANFORD THANK YOU FOR WINTER WARMTH We’d like to say thank you to our kind and generous donors (who are often anonymous) for the funding of blankets and fleece tops as well as the donations of knitted items for our annual winter warmth project. So many children, poor and elderly folk will be a lot warmer this year thanks to you.

PENGUIN PLUNGE, 12:00 ON 18 JUNE The sixth Penguin Plunge takes place from the river bank on King Street. The entry fee is a donation and funds will all go toward the soup kitchens that feed the elderly. The funds raised will keep the kitchens going for 6–8 months!

There’ll be gluhwein, hot chocolate and steaming soups available for the penguins, and to the chickens for a donation. Gerrie will also be there selling boerewors rolls/ hamburgers and cool drinks on behalf of the Koshuis.

Please come and support this event even if plunging into the icy river isn’t your thing. And why not dress up in something funny or dramatic? If anyone wants to challenge anybody else in the village, do so on our Penguin Plunge Facebook page!

This year we hope to have a Pikkie Penguin Pool available and King Neptune has whispered that he might make an appearance. Bring your family, your friends and your four legged fur kids (on leashes and under owners' control please).

Road closures: Please note that King and Quick Streets along the river (between Long- and Shortmarket Streets) will be closed to traffic from 10:30 until after the event (latest 14:00). Quick Street must remain free of any traffic to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Parking will be available in streets to the east of Longmarket and in Adderley.

BARRY HILTON FUNDRAISER The Cousin has been making us laugh for over 30 years. He’ll be performing at the DR Church Hall, Friday 24 June, 19:30. Tickets only R100 and proceeds will go to various Stanford Rotary projects.

Two beautiful handmade children’s quilts will be raffled. Get your tickets from Stanford Tourism on 028 341 0340 ask@stanfordinfo.co.za; Annie Ranger on 028 341 0984 ranger@reedcottage.co.za or any Stanford Rotary member.

STROKES ON THE WATER The Stanford Canoe Club time trial and development training session on Saturday, 21 May was a busy day on the water with some 20 experienced and beginner paddlers taking to the water.

Please join us on Saturdays at 08h30 at the Du Toit Street put-in for a 10 km or 6 km time trial, or simply a social paddle. Kids are invited to join at 09h30 for a development paddling session (please note that parents need to sign the indemnity form). Join us on Tuesdays at 08:30 for a social paddle (any craft welcome) and at 17:30 for a timetrial (10 km or 6 km).

For the latest news, please visit our Facebook Group Page called 'Stanford Canoe Club'.

Karin Pohl

Paddle power: Young canoeists learning a new skill STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

Wedding bells Debbie and Malcolm Bury's daughter, Jenna-Jade, married Lieben Kruger on 30 April at De Oude Kraal venue after dating for 12 years. Lieben had to wait until she finished studying and was qualified before they could tie the knot.

Congratulations Debbie and Malcolm – you must be so proud.

Happily ever after: JennaJade and Lieben Kruger.

TOURISM TALK Bears and hedgehogs hibernate through the worst of the northern hemisphere winter. There is temptation to do the same here in the south and tourism seems to slow down while folks slide into slippers after work and wait for the crockpot to deliver hearty meals. But wait...Stanford Tourism is not sleeping and there is still a great line-up of attractions to get people out of bed and outside into the beautiful winter days.

Rotary is putting the last arrangements in place for the sixth Penguin Plunge on 18 June which sees brave people plunge into the icy Klein River to raise funds for the village soup kitchens. It's a great initiative that deserves support. Once your mug of soup or gluwein has warmed you back up again, make your way up to Stanford Hills for Hops at the Hills – a beerfest on a winefarm with tip-top local music from Louise Carver and Watershed.

There are many accommodation specials available at the moment making this a perfect time to get away to the country at really affordable prices. Picture crackling fires, local wines, misty morning strolls and steaming, full-flavoured meals cooked at one of the local restaurants. Visit our website www.stanfordinfo.co.za and grab one of these specials.

The tourism bureau markets the entire village, not only its members so it follows that every resident should therefore be a member of Tourism. Articles in magazines and programmes on TV don’t just happen. Continuous marketing efforts have made Stanford a desirable destination to visit and in which to live.

Social media marketing is becoming more important by the day, and this places more pressure on the staff to provide immediate information. This is one of the reasons why a decision has been made to increase the staff compliment rather than just appoint a tourism manager. It does also mean that serious fund-raising is required.

Keep your eye on the Stanford Tourism Office building which is the face of tourism, and one of the first ports of call for visitors to the town. Changes are afoot and the Management Committee members have some tricks up their sleeves to spruce it up and grab the attention of passersby. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Please give the office a shout by emailing ask@stanfordtourism.co.za so that you can be a part of the change.

Stanford Tourism Committee

New faces welcome The new Stanford Ratepayers Association is holding its first event for the year at 18:00 on 6 June called 'Welcome to Stanford – what makes the village tick'. This is aimed at new residents and will be held at Stanford Harvest.

Various community groups will have an opportunity to blow their trumpets and many interest groups will be introduced. Invitations have gone out and we are expecting a great turn out for this inaugural event where the attendees will be able to mix and mingle and enjoy a light supper.

Remember to confirm for catering purposes to Lyn Pullen 060 966 9000 or email stanfordratepayers@yahoo.com by 30 May. Please arrive on time so that the evening can begin promptly.

Lyn Pullen

Villager

Craig's smile beams out of his face as he greets friends and strangers. He lives at full tilt and has boundless enthusiasm, and if you ever see a herd of children hurtling down a grassy slope on a go-cart, Craig is probably with them, shrieking with laughter.

Craig Templer: enthusiastic and energetic.

How did you end up in Stanford, and why did you stay?

A good friend of mine was getting married at a place called Crystal Kloof, somewhere between Hermanus and Stanford. I immediately fell in love with the area and although Catherine, my girlfriend was living in a beautiful place up North, I phoned to ask her to rather save up and join me here. This took almost 10 months and in that time whilst she worked on the Isle of Iona in Scotland I was living in a tent on Crystal Kloof and helping to build the first cob-house. It was during this time that I heard tell of the farm 'Ouheerskraal' coming up on auction from Anton Boshoff, who spoke passionately of the concept of community living. We soon became one of 10 shareholders with a common vision. The title deeds of the farm were signed over to our holding company over the Bluemoon in March 1999 and so it was decided to rename the farm Bluemoon.

We had built our home and were living in it by November 1999, and we have been here ever since.

You used to write for the early Stanford River Talk.

What did you write about?

Bluemoon Farm was a pioneer in community farm living in the early days with many passers-by staying a while with us and learning by helping us work the land (as it is to this day.) These people were in search of their own Bohemian lifestyles and wanted to learn from us as much as teach us. When wandering into the local Spar these 'hippies' did not generally look like average Stanfordians and our farm soon started to attract dinner gossip and church murmerings. This also resulted in a fascination of all that was possibly occurring on the farm and so, the editor and owner of the Stanford River Talk at that time, Kerri Brokenshaw approached me to write a monthly column entitled 'Shenanigans of Ouheerskraal' to help dispel the myths and rumours surrounding the place. The gist of these articles was about our start-up challenges including alien vegetation eradication and reverting the land back to self-sustainable permaculture practices with a few anecdotes thrown in here-and-there.

You have done many different jobs and projects in Stanford; which have been your best and your worst?

I have been associated in many different ways and projects, from sitting on the Stanford Glendower Bird Festival committee in the old days with Paul Slabbert as Chairman, to working on Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate helping to landscape around Madre's Kitchen; from managing the Lagoon Lodge at Mosaic Farm to hosting two 'Green Gathering' festivals on our farm in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

My worst job probably has to have been when I worked for myself in a small treepruning business here in Stanford. It was hard work and never made enough money to support my family. My bitter-sweetest project was helping to plant up Sam's garden on Stanford Hills Wine Estate although it is so beautiful now.

What do you think Stanford does really well, and what do you think still needs improvement?

Stanford people are fun-loving, from Stanford South to Stanford North and everywhere in between. Also we all seem to love and appreciate our beautiful natural surroundings and as a result we hold various markets and festivals to celebrate this.

In my opinion (only) though, I think that these gatherings are not well represented by Stanford's greater community and until we manage to host a festival that embraces our heritage and different cultures, we will not be strong.

Stanford's culture and heritage is farming and producing, from the Khoi-San to Sir Robert Stanford and across all races, colour and beliefs. There are locals living here whose families go back for many generations and who are still farming and conserving our surroundings - this is what should be our identity.

I personally would love to see a huge home-made arts and crafts and homeproduce festival on our market green with stall traders from every local community and people from Stanford North, South, East and West joining in the festivities and the economic kick-backs. The existing annual Stanford Street Festival has the potential to achieve this goal which is very exciting.

Ironically, I also think that we are too caught up in our architectural heritage in this village, as magnificent as it is. Obviously the structures must remain in their original form but I believe that Queen Victoria street is too staid and controlled and should be allowed a splash of colour and bunting and street art. First impressions are the most important to outside visitors and our main road is boring in my opinion. We need to lighten-up and let our fun-loving side shine.

If you're cooking, what's for dinner?

I do love cooking but bore easily with tried and tested recipes and tend to experiment quite a lot. Sometimes this works but other times not, much to the chagrin of my longsuffering family. I love cooking with spices such as masala or garam, turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper ranging from dishes such as butternut curry to chicken pie.

What would you consider the perfect way to mark Father's Day? For me to be able to enjoy an al fresco style picnic with my family at any one of our local stunning natural spots, be it in the mountains or on the coast somewhere, would mark a perfect Father's day. However, considering we are all a fun-loving lot, a huge braai with lots of fathers (and mothers) and hundreds of kids with plenty of beer would be great too.

Awesome plumbing service in the village

PlumbTec

082 609 0809

plumbtec.info@gmail.com STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

school talk FUNDIMFUNDO PANTHERA VISIT

Our Grade Rs were dressed impeccably for this exciting outing and most of them wore handknitted beanies which had been donated to the school all the way from the U.S.A. None of them, however, anticipated the size and grandeur of the animals they encountered.

Panthera Africa was founded by Lizaene Cornwall and Catherine Nyquist with the sole purpose of rehabilitating and releasing poorly treated animals, evident from the photographs of stricken animals only a year ago, now looking as Big Cat experience of a lifetime: handsome and powerful as they (From left) Abulele Sidelo, Mxolisi should in the wild.

Sandla, Wanda King, Yolisa Lahlani, We were welcomed by Lindsay Soyama Putuzo, Lilitha Ntweni, Linomtha (Scottish), Kate (Russian) and Celine (Canadian) – all volunteers Kama, Teacher: Nandipha Mthanyana at this special place. Immediately and voluteer, Lindsay. the children were vying for their attention which they got in abundance throughout the visit by the visibly charmed young ladies. They also shared wonderful snippets of information which entranced the children who were awestruck by the size of the animals.

They had the opportunity to feel the mane of a lion and touch sandpaper, equivalent to the tongue of a lion. They sat (all 9 of them and Lindsay) on a seesaw trying to lift the weight of a tiger tethered to the other end, with no success. They studied a soccer ball toy of the lion with deep teeth marks in which they could insert their fingers, and when the lion yawned nearby they were wide-eyed at the size of its teeth.

After an exciting tour, they settled down with sandwiches and drinks before returning to school with stories to tell the smaller children who will have to wait their turn to enjoy this wonderful educational experience.

Lyn Prins

THE BUTTERFLY CENTRE This month we were focussed on the oceans and creatures that live in our area. We were lucky enough to visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai, where the kids had an amazing time and learnt all about the birds, and the rescue and rehabilitation process.

We were also delighted by a visit from Shark Bay Research Trust and their marine biologist, Chris Perkins. He came to teach the kids all about sharks, and showed us some photos of the Great White Sharks in the area around Walker Bay and Dyer Island.

Sam Upfold

Plush penguins: (Back from left) Marilyn, and Cole Allie (Front from left) Sebastian van Graan, JJ Visser, Jack Kastner, Luca Coetze, Luke Mitchel and Tristan Mitchel.

DIE BRON DIE BRON LAUNCHES THE CANOE CLUB

Met baie entoesiasme is Die Bron Primêr Kanoe Klub op Saterdag, 7 Mei gestig. Die klub is amptelik deel van die nuut gestigde Stanford Kanoe Klub, en vorm deel van die Wes-Kaap Kanoe vereniging. Die klub oefen elke Saterdag om 09:30 in die Kleinrivier, Stanford.

Die skoolhoof Mr Pedro wil graag al die lede van die Stanford Kanoe Klub bedank vir hul toewyding.

OKKIE SMUTS ART AND WINE AUCTION

We would like to thank each and everyone for their support during our Art and Wine Auction at Stanford Valley.

To our hosts that evening, thank you so much for having us at your wonderful venue. Thank you to all the artists who sponsored paintings, and to the PTA and teachers who were an amazing, hardworking team.

Thank you to our sponsors, Stanford Spar, Gansbaai Super Spar and Gansbaai OK Foods, for donating the bubbly, and to all of the wineries who made donations.

Thank you to Tannie Adanne for helping the children with their art for the silent auction; that alone brought in R3 500! Thank you to Stanford River Talk for advertising our event and a warm thank you to all of the restaurants who distributed flyers to their clients.

Lastly, we want to thank our Mighty God for looking after our school and children. We raised an astonishing amount of a little over R55 000 for Okkie Smuts Primary School.

Ms Liekie Lourens

UNDER 9 INDOOR NETBALL TOURNAMENT

What a lovely day full of netball and kids' laughter as five schools participated in an Indoor Netball Tournament, namely Okkie Smuts Primary School, Die Bron Primary School, both Gansbaai Primary Schools, and Kleinmond Primary School.

It was a round-robin tournament and each school had the chance to play against each other. The best netball player of each team received a medal, and each player received a certificate for participation.

Thank you to our two big sponsors for the day; Mr Abrie Hickman of Adenco for supplying us with the indoor netball court in his workshop, and Mr de Wet and Mr van Niekerk for being our cash sponsors for the day which enabled the award of medals and certificates for the players. Thank you to Birkenhead Brewery for sponsoring the gifts for our sponsors.

We thank each and every staff member for their contribution and support. You are all super stars.

Miss Miani Germishuys STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

New canoeists: (Back from left) Ethen Arendse, Gath Johannes, Mthinzi Nobandla, Franco Tobias, Condrey Jafta, De Vonte October and Ree-ano Dreyer (Front) Hayward Gibson, Mr. LJO Pedro (Skoolhoof), Gurswin Moses (Span Kaptein), Me. C. Nicholson and Howard Engel.

FYNBOS AKADEMIE THE GIFT OF BOOKS

The learners and educators of The Fynbos Academy could barely contain their excitement at recently being given a firstof-its-kind Trolley Library, filled with a variety of educational material from benefactor AVBOB on 19 April.

The special handover ceremony took place at the school’s premises in Papiesvlei, Stanford and was well supported and marked by the presence of AVBOB’s Group CEO Frik Rademan, Overstrand’s Executive Mayor Nicolette BothaGuthrie, as well as a number of education luminaries and interested community members.

The generous donation came about after the Mayor informed Rademan of the school’s need for books and educational aids following her visit to the facility early last year.

In his keynote address, Rademan stated, 'To date we’ve donated thousands of books and various educational aids to 31 schools, but the Fynbos Academy is the first to receive a Trolley Library – brainchild of our Group Communication Manager, Marius du Plessis – aimed at assisting smaller schools like this.'

Charmaine Resandt PRO to the Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie

school talk

GANSBAAI ACADEMIA

In recognition of the upcoming Father’s Day, here is a short biography of Gansbaai Academia’s principal, Mr Tommy Dougly Wilson, affectionately known by all alumni and learners of the school as 'Big Daddy'.

Mr Wilson was born and raised in Worcester in a very conservative Christian family where he spent his school years before matriculating in 1977 at the Esselenpark Hoërskool. He read a BA degree at the Big Daddy: University of the Western Cape but left in his second Principal Tommy year to start teaching at the Langeberg Sekondêre Wilson Skool in Robertson. In 1980 he started studying at the Onderwyserskollege Suid-Kaapland and achieved the POD III diploma.

During this time he was editor of the college newspaper, played for the rugby team, primarius of the hostel and head student in 1982.

He started teaching at Worcester Secondary School in 1983 and was acting principal from 2006 until July 2010, when he came to Gansbaai Academia as principal.

During his teaching years, he remained an active student himself and achieved degrees and certificates through Unisa. There are many highlights in his career, but a few rate as very important: • Increased the pass rate of matriculants in 2009 from 64% to 92%. For this he received a certificate on behalf of Worcester Secondary School from premier Helen Zille • Keynote speaker at the 2010 awards evening of the Department of Correctional Sevices • In 2010 and 2011 he received the award for Excellence in School Leadership from Enlighten Trust • In 2013 he received a Mayoral Award for Achievers of Excellence in Overstrand He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Enlighten Trust since 2013 and is also a founding member of Gansbaai Youth Action.

His closely knit family consists of his wife Julia, whom he married in 1985 and their son, Woodrow, who also excelled academically and joined Old Mutual as a legal advisor after completion of his articles.

Ernst Nieuwoudt

health talk

BUSINESS HOURS • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 17:30 • Saturday: 08h00 - 13:00 • Sunday: 10:00 - 12:00 • Public holidays: 9:00 - 13:00 CLINIC HOURS • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 16:00 • Saturday: 08:00 - 12:00 • Public holidays: 9:00 - 12:00

T E L: 028 384 0637 FA X: 028 384 0455 gansbaai@arrienel.co.za H O O F W E F 29 - G A N S BA A I.

Dr Wanya van der Walt

Wax on, wax off Brush twice a day to hold cavities at bay To brush or not to brush? To floss or not to floss? Natural versus scientifically formulated? Let us streamline our approach to dental hygiene.

It does not matter how hard we brush or how often; it matters HOW we brush. Usually in my practice I use one of two different examples tailored towards men or women: From the male perspective, think of polishing and buffing your car. You wouldn't use a nail brush to do the job. Oh no, you’d use a special microfibre cloth, remove hard imbued dirt with a high pressure cleaner and finish off with a chamois. Wax on, wax off.

Women, when you clean your grandmother’s yellowwood side table, do you use 'goldilocks' or steel wool to do the cleaning? Of course not! You take the utmost care to use a fine polishing cloth and just the right polish, and you take your time to make sure that every nook and cranny is cleaned and maintained. Wax on, wax off.

Think about this when you brush your teeth. Use only a soft bristled brush with a small head. Apply slight pressure and use a circular movement polishing no more than two teeth at a time. Remember, if you close your mouth during brushing you will be able to reach further back.

Try to stay away from any toothpaste that is abrasive or has any bleaching chemicals. If you don’t, you might find that your teeth will become sensitive to heat and cold. Floss with waxed floss (dislodge debris), brush (wash the surface of the tooth), scrape the tongue using a spoon, and rinse (flush away all the dirt). You don’t need expensive mouthwash either; just mix half a cup of lukewarm water, 10ml of Bicarbonate of Soda, a pinch of salt and there you go. Avoid mouthwash with high amounts of alcohol or thymol as you don’t need to kill all the bacteria in your mouth. Some of the bacteria is needed for normal functioning. An oral irrigator (high pressure hose for teeth) is an excellent investment and alternative to flossing.

Remember: twice a day is good enough if you do it the right way!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

Dr Livingstone , I presume?

David Livingstone was a ‘giant’ of the Victorian Age. Guy Winchester-Gould tells the story of this remarkable missionary, doctor and explorer.

PART 2: ARRIVAL IN AFRICA

In November 1840, now a fully-fledged doctor and an ordained missionary of the London Missionary Society, Livingstone was ready to proceed with his life’s work of ministering to the heathen and attending to their physical ailments. Setting out for South Africa on a sea voyage lasting over five months, eventually the vessel docked in Simon’s Bay. While Cape Town was in full bloom, with picturesque avenues of oak trees and whitewashed buildings, the young medical missionary was impatient to begin work in the hinterland.

Fully provisioned and accompanied by fellow missionaries, the party set off on the 850km trek northwards to Kuruman, a hamlet in a ‘sea of bushveld’. Travel was slow, the heavily-laden wagons drawn by teams of oxen prodded and persuaded all the way! The nightly outspan was a memorable experience; after the oxen had been unhitched and led to water, fire-side tales were told by the missionaries and it was not long before their weary bodies were lulled to sleep by Africa’s night-time noises.

One of the first entries in Livingstone’s journal recorded that he '[liked] this travelling very much indeed’.

The lumbering creaking wagons took the travellers through GraaffReinet (Livingstone describing it as ‘the prettiest town in Africa’), on to Colesberg, across the Orange River and along the northern bank of the Vaal River to Kuruman where green vegetation and white-washed buildings contrasted sharply with the arid surrounds. Being young and impetuous he found work at the station unfulfilling and wrote his directors in London telling them he believed there was little prospect of preaching to locals as they were itinerants, moving their herds and flocks to betterwatered and more fertile areas as the seasons dictated. He yearned to reach out to ‘lost souls’ to the north and with Moffat’s encouragement looked for a suitable region in which to open a new station.

Livingstone, not the most patient of men, believed he could be most effective among tribes bordering the Kalahari Desert. Here, in the remotest and driest regions, he envisaged coming into contact with people requiring his medical services, and religious instruction! Sometime later he was to boast to a friend that he had 'an immense practice; patients [walked] some 130 miles for [his] advice’.

Before the end of 1841 he located what he considered to be an ideal site some 400 kms north of Kuruman. Farther north, in the village of Molepolole, northern Botswana, he established cordial relations with the local chief and lost no time acquiring knowledge of the tribe’s customs and language, a habit which was to stand him in good stead all his days.

On one such foray he nearly lost his life in an encounter with a lion.

Harried by the local people, and wounded by Livingstone, the enraged animal pounced, its powerful jaws crushing his left shoulder as they fell to the ground as if locked in an embrace. ‘He caught me by the shoulder, and we both came to the ground together.’ Growling in a paroxysm of rage the lion shook Livingstone as a cat would a mouse, releasing him only after being distracted by tribesmen with spears. The lion shortly afterwards succumbed to its injuries. Livingstone lay for weeks in a semicoma but survived the mauling although the injury was to cause him recurring pain throughout his life.

The Missionary's Escape from the Lion: Taken from Missionary Travels, 1857.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

Five star views

WALK AND TALK

If luxury is more your style then get your name down on the waiting list for a Vogelgat Nature Reserve membership … or make friends with a member today. With four overnight huts and loads of gorgeous trails to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. The huts are fully equipped with everything from fleecy blankets to coffee plungers, crockery, cutlery, gas stoves, etc. are all provided. So all you need to carry are your clothes and food... and wine, of course. All the huts have their own charm and vastly different vistas. Hikes to the huts vary from one and a half hours to a more strenuous three hour hike up to the newly refurbished Beacon Hut, or as we call it, The Penthouse, which has unparalleled views stretching from Gansbaai to Kleinmond. An adventurous day-walk up the kloof will see you climbing ladders, swaying on rope bridges and clambering up rock faces all the way up to the waterfall – well worth it in every way. Happy hiking, y’all.

Pete making his way up to Natalie Ground the main falls.

By Naas Terblanche

nature talk

Earthworms Gently tending the soil from within Earthworms or 'night crawlers' make good bait for fishing and that when we have many of them in our soil, plants always grow very well. More than 2 000 years ago, farmers and gardeners already appreciated their benefits when Aristotle called earthworms the 'intestines of the soil'.

There are about 6 000 species worldwide varying in size from 1 millimetre to 3 metres. They breathe through their skin and so absorb oxygen from the moist water in the soil.

HOW DO EARTHWORMS BENEFIT THE SOIL? Earthworms eat soil and dead plant material (not live plants) that they then digest. They excrete the soil and plant material and so enrich the soil by changing it into a very special kind of compost. They also bring up calcium and phosphorus from the subsoil, deep down where the plants can’t usually reach, making these nutrients available for the plants. In their search for food they also make small tunnels that aerate the soil.

It is estimated that 40 tons of soil per hectare can be treated every year by earthworms.

WHAT ABOUT THEIR PROPAGATION AND SEX LIFE? Earthworms are hermaphroditic, which means that each worm has both male and female reproductive organs. They mate by first lying close together. A thin film then forms around them joining them firmly. Next they mutually inseminate each other and following separation each worm secretes a cocoon for its eggs and the sperm received from its partner. The fertilized eggs then develop into little worms in the cocoon and hatch after one to five months, depending on the species and temperature. Earthworms can lay eggs every two months.

We can encourage earthworms in our garden by keeping the soil moist, by spreading leaves and practicing 'chop and drop' – to leave prunings and leaves on or in the soil.

I am not sure what effect our friends the Hadidas have on our earthworms, but I suspect that they eat many. For the rest, the only other enemies of earthworms are moles, pesticides and dry soil.

kitchen talk Bryan Robertson

Crazy for condiments Bryan Robertson uses seasonal lemons to bring out a symphony of flavour.

SWEET LEMON (OR LIME) PICKLE

GREMOLATA Gremolata is one of those things where the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. Sprinkled over any number of dishes, it will make every mouthful pop with its bright, fresh flavor. Part condiment and part garnish, gremolata is most commonly used for a final flourish of flavour, classically with the famous Italian recipe Osso Buco, where it adds a fresh, zippy note to the rich, meaty dish. Try it sprinkled over grilled or roasted vegetables, any baked or grilled fish, chicken, or lamb. Asparagus is particularly wonderful with gremolata, as well as many pasta dishes.

YOU WILL NEED: (Makes about 1/3 cup) • 1 small bunch of parsley, washed and dried (enough to make 1 loosely-packed cup) • 1 clove garlic, papery skin removed • 2 lemons, washed and dried HOW TO: → Prep the parsley: Remove the leaves from the parsley, enough to make 1 cup when very loosely packed. → Chop the parsley: Chop the parsley until it is nearly finely chopped. It should be less than 1/2 cup. → Add the garlic: Using a fine-toothed grater, grate the garlic clove over the parsley. → Add the lemon: Using the same grater (don't bother to wash it), grate just the zest from the two lemons on top of the garlic. → Finish the chopping: Continue to chop the parsley, mixing in the garlic and lemon as you go, until the parsley is chopped very finely.

Use or store: Use the gremolata right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.

This is awesome with poppadoms or as a sidedish with a curry. You could probably try this recipe to good effect with other citrus fruit, but the combination of the sour lemons and sugar really works well on the taste buds.

YOU WILL NEED: (Makes roughly 1kg of pickle) • About 500g of lemons (or limes. Confusingly, the two words seem to often be used interchangeably in Indian English. I haven’t tried this recipe with limes but I expect it’ll be just as great.) • 100g salt • 500g white sugar • 250g demerara sugar • tsp turmeric • 1 tbsp chilli powder of your desired heat HOW TO: A large jar is best – sterilised, of course. Wash and dry the fruit, making sure you’ve removed any wax. Squeeze a few fruits until you’ve collected about 125ml (1/2 cup) of juice. Keep the skins! → Cut the skins, and the remaining whole fruit, into pieces that are the right sort of size that you want to find in your pickle. This might be eighths or quarters, depending on your taste and the size of the fruit. Put all the chopped pieces into the jar. → Mix the juice, salt and turmeric; pour it over the fruit. Compress the fruit in the jar so that it is covered by liquid. Put the lid on and leave the jar in a warm sunny place. While it’s ‘cooking’, give the mixture a good shake-up every couple of days. You’re waiting for the fruit to soften; expect this to take about a week and a half, or longer if it’s cold. → Throw in the sugar and mix well. Put the jar in a safe place (doesn’t have to be sunny this time) for another week and a half or so. The sugar sinks, so give it a good stir every couple of days. When most or all of the sugar has dissolved, it’s ready. → Finally, add the chilli powder and stir well. It’s now ready to bottle and/or eat immediately. Apparently it keeps for over a year if you leave it in a cool dry place – but it’s so yummy, I’m not sure it’ll be around that long!

Contradictions and Celebrations

wine talk

Tania Weich makes a toast

I

t’s time… time to man up, and admit that the simplicity of life is married to our complex characters.

My cause for reflection stems from my own resistance to change, whether necessary or voluntary. Yet, I’m that person whose glass is raised highest to the heavens to toast that transition despite my initial resistance.

Fortunately, we are all different in our methods of celebrations.

Or are we all the same?

From the cradle to the grave, across the spectrum of cultures, we toast births, betrothals, graduations, moving home or in general acquiring new things.

So, while we don’t all embrace change easily, we all celebrate growth. The peculiarity lies in our preferred type, or timing, regarding our tipple of choice.

In our part of the globe it is customary for friends and family to gather for a traditional roofwetting, be it the first move or the 14th in as many years. In Peru, celebrations involve the entire community and chicha is consumed (drunk like beer and similar in appearance to our wine). When in Japan we make like the Japanese and throw a bash when house renovations are underway.

A sip of contention in this particular context is also the situational appropriateness surrounding type of drink.

According to a survey (Klein, 1991) wine and spirits is the appropriate meal accompaniment. Beer is reserved for non-formal occasions. And we all know that when a bubbly cork is popped the question is raised,

'What are we celebrating?'

As far as rules go: an aperitif we drink before our meal, white wine is served before red and brandy and digestifs are only on offer following our food. Unless of course you happen to be a Hungarian Gypsy, in which case you may only drink your brandy first thing in the morning, in the middle of the night at a wake, or by women prior to a rubbishscavenging trip.

To again raise the point that 'simplicity of life is married to our complex characters’, it makes sense that at a wedding, the bride and groom drink from a single glass of wine. The ritual reflects the cup of life and sharing of experiences, the latter in whichever form follows.

Apologies to our great philosophers while you allow me

to jump right in and express some profound insight of my own. Conforming is boring!

Freedom is downing schnapps just because my sister bought new shoes. I have no qualm about drinking Tequila at tea-time, and I will confess to being guilty if you accuse me of being a Hungarian Gypsy.

If change is necessary for growth, and growth is necessary for life, whatever our tomorrows hold... let us not forget to celebrate today.

I raise my glass to the outgoing SRT team – until we meet again.

'Love one another, but make not a bond of love.

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.'

Kahlil Gibran STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

TALES FROM THE SUD

By Matt Chancey

Call the Midwife!

Being a father of 11, I'm probably one of the only guys you'll meet who fits right in at a baby shower.

I've got lots of birth stories. Here's one of my favourites:

I

n 2008, I led a group of doctors and nurses into a Darfur refugee community to conduct a mobile clinic. Several of the nurses worked in obstetrics, so every pregnant woman within a 100 mile radius wanted to deliver their babies there.

Late one evening, one of the nurses came to me and asked if it were possible to arrange a medivac. I told her it was virtually impossible and asked why she needed it. 'We have a 19-year-old woman who has been in labour for two days and is not progressing.

The baby's been in the birth canal for 12 hours and we're afraid we'll lose them both. A caesarean is impossible without an operating room, and we have no pitocin to

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

get the contractions going,' was her explanation.

'Let me make a call,' I replied. I ran and grabbed my 'sat' phone and called one of the world's foremost authorities on natural childbirth – my wife. I asked Jennie if she knew any way we could get the contractions started again.

'Do you have red pepper?' Jennie asked.

'No, but I saw some earlier at the local market,' said I. 'Good,' said Jennie. 'Crush a couple, mix with water, and make the mom drink the whole thing at once. Then, make her walk. Don't let her lie down!'

I drove to the market and woke one of the shopkeepers, and

Celebrating 20 years on June 22: Matt and Jennie on their wedding day in 1996.

SOAPBOX

Dear Roger Thanks so much for considering me as a candidate for a special project back at the old firm. I must say that before your call I harboured no desire to return to formal employment but your lucrative offer of a six-month consultancy does appeal. However I do have a few requirements: 1. Since I no longer have a career to develop I won’t need to be diplomatic. So I’m afraid you would have to warn my new colleagues to be prepared for some honest reactions. 'What a c**p idea' springs to mind.

2. I was relieved to read that Vida e Caffe now has an outlet in the building. That’s good news because the old canteen stuff tasted like it had been made with mine dump water.

3. Then there’s the question of my nap. Normally I plonk down in front of the TV at around two, switch on any gardening or animal programme and doze until my wife brings me a cup of tea and a couple of McVitie’s chocolate digestives at about three. How does that fit into things?

4. I know the role of the traditional secretary has been usurped by increasingly simple PC-based alternatives. However, unlike secretaries, all Outlook screens look identical and clearly offer no sense of status. But don’t worry, I’ll write the ad.

5. Obviously a car allowance is not a realistic option (also there’s all those tedious logbook requirements) so I thought that a practical solution might be for you to rent something for me?

A Golf GTi sounds good – a red one would be nice.

6. Sorry, last thing – income tax. We need to get creative here.

May I suggest that given that the firm now own shops all over Europe you simply stick a few thousand Euros worth of gift vouchers behind the till in one of them? We shall make a plan to collect them whilst enjoying the luxury holiday that you are going to fund.

In closing I must say how flattered I am to be offered this opportunity to use my knowledge and experience. I know that privately you were glad that I chose early retirement so you could save a fortune by employing somebody younger – and cheaper – to do my job. Once I return and get started and have banned all references to out-of-the-box thinking, scenarios and outcomes and replaced those clichés with actions and deadlines, I promise not to gloat.

Optimistically yours Martin Ranger STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

obtained a handful of red peppers.

I then raced back to camp and crushed about four in a cup. We made the woman drink the whole thing and then began walking her around the compound. Red pepper can be a wonderful laxative, and this effect can really irritate a uterus.

The contractions re-started almost immediately. I held the mom's one elbow and the nurse held the other.

Every time she had a contraction and tried to lie down, we would only let her squat. Then at the end of the contraction, we'd make her walk again.

Two hours later, we had ourselves a healthy baby girl.

Red pepper. Who knew?

Matt Chancey

STANFORD

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village lifestyle

Father's Day

The thief of joy

Father's Day is on 19 June so we asked some local dads about the best part of being fathers.

'I love the day-to-day interactions with my children; seeing them grow and observing how they meet challenges...and just having them around!'

Jan Troost

Troost family: (From left) Rachel, Josie, Jan, Anna Mae, Mary and Dirk.

'The best thing about being a father is that it gives you a chance to play like a child again and stay young at heart. I see a reflection of myself through them and their happiness makes my heart burst with joy.' Glenn Roodt Roodts: (From left) Livia, Glenn, Gida and Laraine.

'The best part of being a dad is that it is like having my two best friends around all the time.' Marcques Kotze Kotzes: (From left) Marques, Maks and Krige.

Karen McKee grapples with herself

I recently attended a writing workshop hosted by two prominent authors. Fifteen women with serious aspirations scribbled away furiously. It was lovely. What wasn’t so nice was reading out loud the pieces we managed to conjure up in six minutes based on a picture we drew from a box. Theodore Roosevelt once said ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ – and boy, how right he was.

Never has comparison made me as miserable as during the moments I had to read my work out loud. While I started out feeling quite confident, to me it became quite clear that from the first piece we read that everybody’s writing was better than mine.

I felt a little bit crushed and I didn’t feel much like writing again after that...quite the opposite of what the workshop intended, I’m sure.

Take Facebook – I always delight in my friends’ achievements, happiness, Sunday outings and parenting triumphs but it feels like I pale in comparison. And herein again lies the devil: COMPARISON. Real life can be a bastard too – my life is filled with superhuman women (whom I adore!) who manage to run businesses and raise well-mannered kids. They look effortlessly gorgeous, stay in shape and bake bread while dressed in expertly-pressed fashionable clothing. They put together a smorgasbord of exotic snacks worthy of a five star establishment in 30 seconds flat (in my house you would be lucky to find a fresh cracker). Their kids daintily scoff olives and cauliflower while mine stubbornly insists on steak and pizza.

I know that what I see is an illusion sometimes. I know that Facebook isn’t true – I’m a social media person, for heaven’s sake! I know how to Instagram a mediocre breakfast to look like it was cooked for Beyoncè by the gods. The problem is not how wonderful everybody else is; it’s the comparisons I impose on myself, which steal my joy.

We simply have to realise that keeping up with the Jones’s is not important. My shortcomings shouldn’t define me because nobody’s perfect. We all have our journeys filled with different challenges and nobody escapes this game. I need to be kinder to myself and stop comparison from robbing me of moments that would otherwise be joyful. I want to be what I want to be; not what I feel I need to live up to.

I must set a reminder: take it easy – and stop comparing.

SHOP TALK 'My family always inspires me to be that best dad I can be. I am thankful for their love.' Lionel Pedro Pedro Family: (From left) Lionel, Kezia, Janine and Reese.

'The best part about being a dad is: not having to use an alarm clock...oh, and all the kisses and cuddles.'

Alex Chouler Choulers: (From left) Thando, Alex and Ripley.

Andrea Conrad went hunting for perfect Father's Day ideas on Queen Victoria Street. Don't forget to spoil the father figure in your life on 19 June.

Antjie's shop: Gardener soap R55, shaving set R100, shaving soap R50

Biltong from Spar R104.99

Village Emporium: Handmade wallets R40 each

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

plant talk

vet talk

Suzanne Francois Roussouw

Great reasons to get a pet

Beautiful begonias Cruel to be kind Begonias are one of my favourite plant species because they come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of different patterned leaves. If I have to select the species that I find most interesting it would be the Rex Begonia. My aunt gave me a plane old green one that she grew from a leaf when I moved into my first flat. I was working long hours in a plant shop and did not give the plant much attention. Despite the lack of attention this poor little plant seemed to be very happy and it grew more leaves. It even grew little delicate pink flowers for weeks on end with the help of very little fertilizer. What it basically boiled down to was that this type of begonia (and most others) are survivors. I read once that they are almost impossible to kill.

Plant it in well drained, rich potting soil. Provide it with ample light close to a window, but not direct sunlight as that will burn their leaves. If you have a nice spot on a covered stoep then they will also grow very happily outside. They like warm areas, so it is best to place the plants in a warm sunny room.

The most important trick is not to over-water them. You can water them more frequently in the summer months, but in winter water only once every two weeks otherwise they tend to rot.

Fertilize your plants with a good liquid fertilizer every two weeks in summer and they will produce many leaves and flowers. You might even become a collector of begonias, like me.

Dr Olga Koorts says pets are good for you Pets require care and attention but the physical and mental benefits they bring into our lives definitely make them worth the trouble. The following are some good reasons to get an animal companion: Pets are good for your health. They reduce some of the stress caused by our fast-paced demanding lives by providing friendship and distraction. Interaction with animals has been proven scientifically to reduce blood pressure and there are even claims that it can lead to lower cholesterol.

Unlike people, they provide constant, loyal companionship. When you need them, your pets are always there with unconditional love. They don’t even mind how silly you are. Or how badly dressed!

Pets provide entertainment with their habits, quirks and personalities.

How often have you found yourself swapping stories with a fellow pet parent?

Dogs force you to get up and get out. By exercising them, you exercise and pet related activities may lead to meeting new friends.

Taking care of any animal is a responsibility which is thought to be especially good for children but also for lonely individuals by creating a feeling of worth. It stimulates kids to be more responsible in other areas of life and also teaches them to act in a more compassionate way.

A more practical reason to own a pet is for security, or a service animal to assist a person with disabilities. You have only to look on the internet to find thousands of stories about heroic animals.

And finally: animals can actually help you get ahead in relationships and at work. Pets cannot speak and thus communicate mainly through non-verbal means such as body language. It is estimated that up to 90% of inter-human communication is also non-verbal. By living with and observing your pets, you get better at reading expressions and moods. A valuable skill in life!

Compuworld SMB Solutions

Sales, Repairs, Installations, Consulting Services

Going…

Going…

Gone We are relocating to Swellendam later this year so from 31st July we will no longer offer Support Services However, Ink and Toner will continue to be sold on our behalf

by Frans at Stuffed Creations

Many thanks for your support over the last five years Visa & Mastercard Welcome STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

Printer Ink & Toners We have the most popular Inks & Toners at Competitive Prices ALL INKS & TONERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT STUFFED CREATIONS 7A QUEEN VICTORIA ST

Frans Geldenhuys 076 054 5772 Stephen@smbsolutions.co.za Cell 084 705 6719

Historical Stanford on Foot This booklet was assembled by the Stanford Conservation Trust.

Pick up a copy from Stanford Tourism for R10, and take your guests on a self-guided tour of our heritage village. Here are some of the buildings featured on the Historical Walk.

HW 17: OKKIE SMUTS SCHOOL, 1910 The sandstone school at first consisted of only three classrooms but these were extended with two wings in the 1920s. The first hostel, originally the NG Kerk Pastorie, is tucked away behind what is now the school hostel. Okkie Smuts now caters for Grades 1-7 although in the past, it catered for pupils up to Grade 10.

HW 18: CIRCA 1785 The farmhouse of Klein Rivier Valey Farm was built

by Christoffel Brand.The house was home to Sir Robert Stanford among others, and gave shelter to survivors from the Birkenhead troopship that ran aground in 1852.

The Moore family lived in the house from 1855 until 1964, when it changed hands a few times and slowly fell into disrepair. It is now lovingly restored and is a proud landmark in the village.

11.22.63

SCREEN TALK

James Yeats was glued to the screen by this time-twister 11.22.63 is a science-fiction thriller mini-series based on Stephen King’s book. Immediately, I liked the word MINI before series!

I can’t even recall how many different series I have started watching and by Season 4 began to lose interest. I was thrilled to know that after eight episodes I would know what happened.

Like any good story this mini-series has a beginning, a middle and an end. Right from the start, I was intrigued and needed to know more; it was like ’Back to the Future’ meets ’The Butterfly Effect’.

Jake Epping (James Franco), a recently divorced English teacher, is given the chance to travel back in time by his longtime friend Al Templeton (Chris Cooper). Al tells Jake that his mission is to return to Dallas, Texas in 1963 in order stop the assassination of JFK in November of that year. Obviously, Jake has his reservations, but his present day life isn’t great and he decides to go in the hope that, if successful, the world would be a better place.

The time portal can only take him to 1960 and if he wants to save JFK he will need to live there for 3 years and not draw too much attention to himself or jeopardize his main goal. This is a long period of time and the scenarios that take place during those three years are what make this story great for me.

Ignoring his better judgement, Jake falls in love with Sadie Dunhill (Sarah Gadon), a beautiful Southern Belle and he quickly becomes attached to his new life in the past. This could be his mission's undoing.

This mini-series ticked all my boxes and left me wondering, 'If I could alter the outcome of one major event in history, which would it be?'

TRIVIA: When Jake and Sadie enter the book depository, 'redrum' is scrawled on the wall at the foot of the stairs, a reference to Stephen King's 'The Shining'.

LIVING SOUNDTRACK

Pantallettes and applause Andrew Herriot knows how to make an introduction 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Gentry and Geriatrics, Toffs and Tattyfolk, welcome. This is a very warm acclamation to our local Maseru Amateur Dramatic Players. We have for your gratification and extreme delight, a wonderful whirlpool of entertainment – from humorous hilarity to mellifluously sweet songbird melodies. So relax and recline and please welcome the first act this evening…' is a typical Old Tyme opening proclamation and argot.

I have mentioned previously that Old Tyme Musical performances were very much part of the Maseru Players' repertoire Young and talented: Andrew and in the 70s. (Stanford Players Erik as young performers in Maseru. should consider this) The Master of Ceremonies would begin the evening with pithiness and an abundance of loquaciousness to titillate the suitably dressed audience’s fancy. Evenings such as this were made famous by comperes such as Leonard Sachs, a leading light in the BBC’s 'Good Old Days', who would articulate the entertainment with such verbal exactitude as to ensure genuine gargantuan applause for each and every artiste. Light-hearted fulsome humour would precede each act. These could vary from hints of sauciness and innuendo, all to the delight of a noisy and responsive audience. I remember on one occasion when a rather voluptuous yet timid damsel was warbling ‘Hands Knees and Boomps-a-Daisy’ when a chorus of young obtrusive lads from the back of the audience began shouting, 'Higher, higher,' presumably because she was singing much too meekly.

As it turned out, the not-so-timid, hardly superficial, chanteuse spun around and lifted her flamboyant dress and multi-layers of petticoats to reveal pantaletted haunches and a bountifully titillating derrière whereupon she bawled, 'Is that high enough, you ugly ***rds ?' The crowd roared their approval and the song finished with a splendid boomp. This kind of exchange made those evenings highly entertaining. The compere played a principal role in sustaining the crescendo of mirth: 'To soothe your senses, we have the wonderful warbling and the terrific twittering of two marvellous handy maidens (guffaws) – singing ‘Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry’, so please press your palms together for the superb Double Daisies'.

In those days there were no wireless mics hence the Daisies held the mics tightly as they pranced and sang. Without warning the mics would lose power much to the amusement of the audience who thought that this was part of the show. The accompanist shouted 'Hold tighter'. 'It’s no use,' lamented one of the Daisies.

I rebutted unthinkingly, 'Where have your hands been?'In unison they responded flatly and glaring at me, 'None of your damned business', to huge raucous applause and approval of its verisimilitude.

I was reminded of 'You play in your key and I’ll sing in mine' which happened to me many years prior in a local Scottish Miner’s Welfare Institute. There was never a dull moment on those auspicious Old Tyme Music Nights. As one guest artiste poetically recalled while eyeing naughtily my musical ensemble: 'There was a young lady from Lytham Who sang with a band and slept with ‘em It’s sad to relate She’s had twelve children to date Five sax, four trombone, three rhythm.'

After thirteen years in the Kingdom of Lesotho it was time for me to move on. I was leaving a respectable legacy in Basutoland and relished a chance to seek new adventures in music and perhaps to deliberate on another comforting Movement.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

classifieds There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanford Tourism where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope or design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 523 8453 SMALL ADS: R1 a word

FOR SALE INTHUSIASM NATURAL and Organic Make-up orders. p Ruby yokogirls@gmail.com 072 753 8411.

SERVICES CAPTURE YOUR 35MM slides digitally. R1 per slide. p Dirk Troost 084 643 4504.

BOXED ADVERT R105

Vintage Beauty pedicures, manicures, facials

DOMESTIC WORKER, p Salome 071 946 1073. Reference Sandra Slabbert 079 523 8453.

HEDGE TRIMMING / TREE FELLING, p Aidan on 079 984 7646.

massages, waxes, make-up Jacolene 082 357 1245, Victoria Centre Stanford

WANTED Kindle in good condition p Kerri 083 675 1116.

Relove Stanford I offer furniture re-styling using Annie Sloan paints, waxes & techniques, in order to revive your unloved pieces.

To find out more about styles and colours, please call Amba, 079 788 8838 www.facebook.com/relovestanford.

Ann’s Kitchen creates home style meals, which can be delivered to your home or self-catering cottage. Meals are prepared with free range chicken / eggs and where possible, locally sourced ingredients.

Menus are available on request or can be found on the Ann’s Kitchen facebook page.

Ann 076 3327 490 • annskitchencooking@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anns-Kitchen/1629489837298579

SOLAR RENEWABLE ENERGY Solar Geysers, Heat Pumps INTEGRATORS SPECIALISING IN: Solar Panels, Energy Audits Solar Electric Power (Grid tied, off grid & hybrid systems) Save up to 40% on energy costs Solar Geysers, Energy Audits

cleaning service

RAINFALL

SUPPLIED BY SEYMOUR PATERSON

J U N I TA 072 464 1305 broomstix@hermanus.co.za

JAN

Call Mike 083 316 1872 • 028 341 0028 overberg@setsa.co.za • www.solsquare.com

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

AVE

19

14

35

37

104

23.4

22,4

34.1

FEB

17.5

20

16

16

17

18.2

23.1

21.7

MARCH

20

26

28.5

29

25

14

64,7

33,5

APRIL

30

56

53.3

54

48

13.3

35.3

49.6

18

MAY

66.5

83

43.5

55

30

33.2

JUNE

91.5

88

86

84

139

160

107

JULY

43

56

103

33

91

109.5

89.5

59.1

AUG

46

74

125

234

41

52.4

91.7

SEPT

35.5

25.5

73

60.5

42

42.2

56.2

OCT

50

25

111.5

62

36

23.7

56.3

NOV

57

42

26

212

43

49.5

55

DEC

40

23.5

6

5

13

15.7

23.5

YEAR

459

533

708

881.5

629

554.6

STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

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

Private sale A large, magnificent plot is for sale in Buiten Street which retains the rural charm of Stanford’s farming days, with the convenience of being part of this wonderful village.

SIZE: 976m2 PRICE: R750 000 CONTACT DI ON 082 558 3916 OR di.mohr@iafrica.com

local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Reiersvlei Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Villa on the Bay Walshacres Riverside

.

082 320 0982 082 391 5331 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 213 0512 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 082 336 1573 082 614 6322

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 Allan Youens 082 903 4432 ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Grant Anderson Maureen Wolters

076 113 2741 072 364 3694 082 450 3970

BUILDING Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

BUILDING PLANS Jan Biernacki

072 546 1567

CUPBOARDS Your Style Cupboards 076 222 2063

082 327 6518 COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 084 705 6719

weekly timetable

CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm

List your business for just R12.50 a month (only R150/year).

Email: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 079 523 8453 ELECTRICIAN HCD Electrical

084 769 1053

ESTATE AGENTS Pam Golding 028 341 0708 Stanford Village Properties 082 893 2282

072 111 9321

Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961

PLUMBING PlumbTec

082 609 0809

RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Barke Restaurant KC's Restaurant Marianas Springfontein Eats

028 313 2814 028 341 0116 028 341 0013 028 341 0719 028 341 0272 028 341 0651

TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television

073 160 4495

VINTAGE & LINEN Lace

082 781 1704

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel Villa on the Bay

082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 781 1704 082 336 1573

WINE CELLAR & SALES Springfontein Wine Estate

Stanford Hills Estate

028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841

Birkenhead Galley

GARDEN SERVICES Earthworm Organics

072 825 7534

HAIR Jeanne Retief

072 318 2478

HOTEL Stanford Hotel

082 781 1704

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

MASSAGE & HEALTH Stanford Health Practice

082 481 8285

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Klein River Picnics River Rat Boat Cruises

028 3410 693 083 310 0952

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels

028 341 0961

028 313 2814

WOOD

Walshacres Farm

028 341 0685 / 082 898 4889

Tuesday 17:30 & Friday 08:30, Maitri Yoga, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608.

Monday 09:00, Yoga, 084 685 2641, Viv von der Heyden, 23 Quick Street.

Monday 17:00, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, last Monday of each month at Stanford Hills Estate.

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

Tuesday & Thursday 17:00 to 18:00, Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts School Hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521.

Tuesdays 08:30: Canoe Club Social paddle (any craft), 17:30: Canoe Club10 km and 6 km time trials. Chris Wolf 083 455 3605 Tuesday & Thursday 17:30, Cycling, cnr de Bruin & Moore Streets, Sunday 08:00 Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935.

Wednesday, 18:30, Rotary Stanford Club Meeting, Don Gelato. Everyone welcome. Lana 082 216 4398.

Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:30, 'War Room' Prayer Meeting, NG Church Hall. All Welcome Thursday 18:30 - 21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033.

Friday 09:00, Yoga, 084 685 2641, Viv von der Heyden, 23 Quick Street.

Fridays: 19:30 – 20:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Okkie Smuts School Hall, Call Peter 082 7888 630 or Theo 082 635 3193 Saturdays 08:00: Canoe Club 10 km and 6 km time trials. Contact Chris Wolf 083 455 3605

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:00 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966.

CHRISTEN GEMEENSKAPS BEDIENING, 10:00, NG Kerksaal. Almal welkom.

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, meets at St Thomas Church, Morton St. Interdenominational.

English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Tuesday night at 45 Queen Victoria St. Jan Troost 072 3459057.

WATER TESTING

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.

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 (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)

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

APRIL

78

93

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

0

0

MAY

15

47

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 0

0

DETERMINANT

APRIL

MAY

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

WHAT'S ON

email your events to design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

STANFORD • Every Wednesday, Graze Farmers Market, 09:00 – 12:00, get your fresh veggies at Graze Restaurant.

• Every Saturday Morning Market, 9:30 – 12:00, home-made and home-baked goodies, on the Stanford hotel stoep.

• Every Saturday, Haturday, Wear a hat or funky accessory on Queen Victoria Street, and grab a cuppa or do your market shopping while showing your enthusiasm for the village.

• 6 June, Welcome to Stanford, Stanford Harvest, 18:00 The Stanford Ratepayers Association would like to invite you to an evening of welcoming new residents to Stanford and letting them know what makes this village tick. More information will follow.

• 8 – 12 June, Self-sufficiency Experience, Good Luck Cottage & Graze Cafe. Learn how to keep chickens, bees & rabbits, and how to garden and grow your own food. Lunch every day, a Friday night dinner at Graze, mushroom foraging and a talk by Justin Williams. To book contact workshop@grazecafe.co.za • 10 & 17 June, Vegetable secrets, Springfontein Eats, 09:00, cooking classes and Foraging with Juergen. Salads, dressings, vegetable main course, dessert all culminating with lunch and wine pairing. R500pp. Please book at hospitality@springfontein.co.za • 18 June, Penguin Plunge, see page 6.

• 18 June, Hops at the Hills, Stanford Hills Tasting Room,14:00 till late. Local craft beers, good family fun, top notch musicians, Louise Carver, Watershed and The Rivertones. R250 adults, R80 under 18s, under 12s free. Call 072 639 6135 or www.nutickets.co.za • 20 June, 17:30, Full Moon Wandelpad Stroll, meet at Stanford Tourism for this new monthly fundraiser. Stride, jog or stroll. R20 adults, kids free, dogs R10 each. Gluwein and Milo on sale (R30) at the Tourism Office.

• Friday, 24 June, Barry Hilton, Stanford NGKerk Hall, 19:30 R100pp available from Stanford Tourism. All proceeds to Stanford Rotary Club.

NAPIER • 17 - 19 June, Napier Patatfees: village carnival, scarecrow route, live music on the school field, and so much more fun.

Agulhas School of Skills.

18 June: 21km, 10km, 4km: Frans & Anette Botha: 082 675 1311 18 June: MTB 60 km, 45km, 30km, 15km, Naas Vermaak 072 071 3092 19 June, Trail run, start Sami Hall, Bredasdorp, 25 km,15 km, Naas Vermaak: 072 071 3092For more information go to www.napierpatatfees.co.za

GANSBAAI • 24, 25 September, Funky Fynbos Festival The Flower Valley Farm and Conservation Trust, Gansbaai Contact karen.funkyfynbos@gmail.com

KLEINMOND

• 4 June, Kleinmond Harbour Clean-up, 09:30 – 13:00 Fun event for the young and old with food stalls, recycling workshops and lucky draws. For more information, please call 079 807 0926

TESLAARSDAL

• 4 June, MTB: 10km & 20km, 08:00. Trail run & walk 10km & 4.5km, 08:15. Entry is FREE. Enjoy fynbos, fresh air and a plaasmark in the Community Centre. Contact Johan 082 881 0255 or johan@emg-group.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

HERMANUS • 10 – 19 June, Hermanus FynArts Don't miss out on this extravaganza of the arts! International and local talent right on our doorstep. Masters of their arts in the world of creative arts and food, with exhibitions, movies, shows, workshops, lectures and demonstrations. Make sure you support this wonderful festival which brings the arts to the Overberg. Bookings now open. Please collect a programme from Stanford Tourism and book your tickets through http://webtickets.co.za/

CAPE TOWN • 2 – 12 June, The Encounters Documentary Film Festival, Africa’s premier documentary festival with remarkable South African and international documentaries. Waterfront Cinema Nouveau and at the Labia in Gardens. www.encounters.co.za • 15 June – 2 July, The Wizard of Oz, this production is perfect for kids of all ages and adults too19:30 - 22:00, The Playhouse, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 072 996 6059, www.theplayhouse.org.za • 25 June, Francois van Coke and Karen Zoid Toe Vind Ek Jou Concert, 20:00 - 22:30, GrandWest Grand Arena, R200pp - R300pp, 0861 915 8000. www.computicket.com • 6 – 10 July, Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment Tickets R150pp - R400pp. www.computicket.com

Winter

– a sensory season

A message from the Christian Forum

For most of us, June heralds in the winter holiday which is one of the longer school holidays. It is also the holiday season where the 'upcountry' folk get a chance to go to the sea for a change. Up country it can be cold and truly wintry, but winter can also have its own charm and beauty. Many a wintry night one can go out in the cold, bundled up against it, and look out and up at the clear sky and extra bright stars. If it happens to be a full moon, there is also added charm and attraction. Standing on a hill and looking out one can hear sounds from far off like a cow lowing, a dog barking, a bird calling and, now and then, a sound of human origin. Apart from the freshness, one can feel the presence of something greater in knowing that what you see and feel is a special revelation of the ever present God who created it all.

My friends, if you have never experienced anything like this I think you have missed something great. After going back indoors again and maybe warming your hands and yourself at a crackling fire you experience the greatness of the elements given to us by God. We seem to forget the emotional and physical things we experience which in so many cases contribute to the small pleasures in life. Have you ever stood on a cold frosty morning seeing the sun rising and vapour rising from water whilst drinking hot coffee from a mug cupped in your hands with the steam rising in your face? You appreciate the aroma and taste of the coffee so much more. Have you seen the joy and excitement on a little lad's face when he catches his first fish, or a little girl dressed up in her finery going to her first birthday party? All these things constitute pleasure experiences in our lives. Who gave us these emotions and faculties to experience appreciate and enjoy?

I think the answer is quite clear...only God, for He gave us these senses. How do we employ them and do we ever thank God? It is time to stop and think, to experience and to say, 'Thank you, Lord, for the senses with which You have endowed me. Help me to utilise and enjoy them to Your honour.'

Rev Hildie Pansegrouw

happy birthday Cath Templer 1 June

Fernando Damon 2 June

Jacques Rossouw 2 June

Hamish Ground 8 June

Retha Fourie 8 June

Brigitte Lauer 12 June

Steph Richards 15 June

Katie Smuts 20 June

Grant Nale 17 June

Neil Eberhard 18 June

Jeanne Retief 22 June

Simonile Kuze 23 June

Liniwe and Lindeka Kuze 25 June

Kerry Brokensha 26 June Celebrates her 75th birthday

If your birthday or a special occasion is coming up, please email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or sms 079 523 8453.

Laraine Roodt 4 June

Kara Slabbert 11 June

Jack Kastner 18 June

Quentin Green 5 June

Gerrie Geldenhuys 13 June

Amber Robertson 20 June

Brosnan Robertson 24 June

Amy Withers 27 June

Andrea Conrad 30 June

Flip Louw 24 June

Mariette Brand 8 June

Janika Dorland 14 June

Glenn Roodt 24 June

Mia Slabbert 25 June

Okuhle Apolisi 30 June

STANFORD RIVER TALK 19