franschhoek tatler - march 2015

Windies legend visits

Page 2

Karate students make history

Page 3

Italian fashion for Franschhoek

Page 8

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2015 FRANSCHHOEK

Grape harvest in full swing Early start; good quality

The fact that some of Franschhoek’s farmers returned from their Christmas holidays earlier than expected had a viticultural reason – the grapes were ripening earlier than usual and called for the harvest to start sooner than anticipated.

The Tatler spoke to some wine farmers about the harvest and found a general optimism. Kevin Swart, chairman of Vignerons Franschhoek said, “The dry windy summer has impacted volumes. The yield is about 15% down and the harvest is two to three weeks earlier than usual. End of harvest expectations are exciting as there are text book sugars and ripeness.” By all accounts the cellars are working at capacity and labour issues dating back to the beginning of the year have been resolved.

The farmers spoke about the weather which saw a cold winter and early summer heat causing the grapes to ripen early this year. Everyone referred to the effect of the wind and the cool mornings and evenings.

Pieter Hanekom van Akkerdal verwag “’n paar goeie witwyne” en sê hy is nie te haastig met die rooiwyne nie, hy hou die fenoliese ryptyd mooi dop.’n Mens moet maar wingerd toe en gereeld proe; jy kan nie uit die kantoor boer nie. Hy voeg by dat die wingerd mooi gebot het na die koue winter en dat die hitte van Desember en Januarie hitte stres in die wingerde meegebring het.

Nick Davies from Franschhoek Pass Cellar is expecting the best harvest in his 12 years of winemaking. He confirms that the fruit ripened two

weeks earlier than usual and says the formation of bunches was more regular, making for even ripening. “In France it would be called a vintage year.” He says he had the same feedback from farmers in Australia and New Zealand.

DP Burger van Glenwood beaam dat die parsseisoen vroeër as ooit begin het en dat verskillende vareïteite hierdie jaar gelyk ryp geword het. Glenwood se Semillon was drie weke vroeër ryp as wat hy verwag het. Die wit oes gaan moontlik ‘n bietjie ’ligter’ wees as verlede jaar, “maar die ontledings is mooi.” Die rooi druiwe word stadig ryp in die koeler weer wat tans ervaar word.

John Dendy Young from La Petite Ferme is delighted with this season’s fantastic Sauvignon Blanc quality. He says the grapes are not sunburnt, in spite of his concern during the hot weather of January. “We’ve been getting up early every morning to complete the harvest before the intense heat of the day.” Their harvest is about a week earlier than usual and John says, “I expect it to concertina towards the end.” As usual, the baboons feasted on a block of La Petite Ferme’s Chardonnay near the pass, but were kept away from other vineyards with the help of a paint ball gun.

If Franschhoek farmers go on an Easter break a bit earlier than usual, one could safely assume that the reason would be viticultural and that they also finished harvesting earlier than expected.

Grape harvesting in full swing at Akkerdal Wine Estate

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2 Franschhoek Tatler March 2015

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Andre Brink rememberedAndré Brink was a great friend of Solms-Delta. In fact

his family owned Delta in the early 1800s, when it was still called Zandvliet. We designed our Museum van de Caab -- which displays the social history of the farm -- to follow the structure of his brilliant book about the 1825 Cape slave rebellion, A Chain of Voices. The books tells the story of that rebellion from the multiple viewpoints of the different protagonists, slaves and slave-owners alike. This somehow makes it possible for the reader to identify with all of them. André cut the ribbon when we opened our museum in 2005, and he was very interested to learn how his family had treated the slaves here, specifically Philida van de Caab. His own harrowing account of her story was published in 2012 – and it was longlisted for the Booker Prize. He was delighted to learn that our farmworkers are now producing a musical version of Philida, which will be showcased at the Zabalaza theatre festival at the Baxter later this year. He was very interested in the musical life of Solms-Delta. He and Karina attended almost all of our Oesfees celebrations, starting with the first one in 2008. They also attended many of the other vernacular cultural events here, and on more than one occasion they were spotted eating at Fyndraai restaurant, unannounced

-- and once even took a picnic in our forest without telling anyone they were here. A portion of the French television documentary, André Brink, l'Africain, was filmed at Delta. The last time we saw them here, a couple of months ago, André was looking very frail. It is fair to say that he simply loved Delta; and we, in turn, loved him dearly. We shall miss him always.

Mark Solms, Solms-Delta Wine Estate

Belgian pair first TransCape MTB race champions

On Saturday morning, 14 February, the Belgian cyclists, Björn Rondelez and Niek Lingier were crowned the first TransCape MTB race champions after dominating the gruelling 750km seven-day stage race from Knysna to Franschhoek.

While the duo raced to the final finish line at the La Couronne Wine Estate in Franschhoek behind Rapport Tour legend and special solo rider, Jan van den Berg, they had done more than enough on the day and earlier in the race to clinch the title.

Like a vintage wine the 56-year-old Van den Berg, who won the Rapport Tour in 1980, showed some things just get better with age as he gave the Belgian riders a run for their money outclassing them going up the famous Groenlandberg and Franschhoek Pass to win the final stage of the race, from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek, in 3:36:26.

Despite Van den Berg’s amazing effort the final stage result was inconsequential. The Belgian pair, securing five stage wins and having a final day lead of more than an hour over their nearest rivals, South Africa’s Martin Lambrecht and Rory Attridge, just needed to cruise home safely to be crowned the champions. They however, still put in a big effort to finish behind Van den Berg in 3:38: 43.

By crossing the final finish line in 3:45:24 the ever consistent Lambrecht and Attridge, who finished with one stage win and numerous second place finishes, have the distinction of being the first runners-up of the TransCape MTB race.

The unbelievable women’s team of Bonny Swanepoel and Rene Schoeman once again showed their metal coming home first in the mixed division in a time of 4:09:40. A truly remarkable performance which sees them placed sixth overall for the event beating most of the men’s teams and solo riders in the process.

Speaking at the finish line newly crowned TransCape champion Lingier said, “My brains said go fast today, but my legs didn’t want to listen and Jan got away from us on the climbs, but Björn brought me home.” Lingier added, “This was an amazing journey and the best stage race ever and I hope to be back next year.”

The thoughts of many participants were summed up by race commentator, Gerald de Kock who said, “Amongst the blood, sweat and tears this was a race about friendship and fun.”

Next year’s race will see the route reversed, with the start in Franschhoek. Entries open in April.

www.transcapemtb.com

Franschhoeker, Neil Hewitt, finished the Transcape MTB race despite not being able to complete the

third stage.

Windies legend visits the valley

Michael Holding, one of the West Indies’ best cricketers of all time and one of the greatest international bowlers to play five-day cricket visited the Groot Drakenstein Games Club on 6 January 2015. He graciously accepted the invitation extended to him by Jacques Roux of DGB Boschendal to give of his time to cricket lovers in the Winelands.

A question and answer event was presented to a full hall on a beautiful evening at the.

The event took the form of two question and answer sessions. Very thought provoking questions were asked with Holding answering each with precision and clarity. His opinions on many matters concerning the game are quite clear and he is adamant that he will not deviate much from them. His knowledge and love of the game is obvious and he is of the opinion that the shorter version, namely T20, is not good for the game. He regards it as purely entertainment and very bad for the training of aspiring young cricketers.

Questions posed included: “What is the state of cricket in the West Indies?”, “Who, in your opinion, are the best fast bowlers presently in the world?”, “What do you think of the control of cricket by the three power houses?” and “Who do you think will win the forth-coming World Cup?” But possibly the most interesting question came from the former captain of the Coronations Cricket Club in Pniel,

Colin Myburgh, when he requested Michael to give his opinion on the following: “Nelson Mandela, in accepting the position of President of South Africa stressed the concept of reconciliation. What has happened to the West Indian players who joined the rebel cricket team that toured South Africa during the apartheid period, but were castigated by the West Indian Cricket Union on their return, and has reconciliation been applied in their case?”

This event was held subject to one condition from Holding, namely that the funds raised go toward underprivileged young cricketers. A sum of approximately R10 000 was collected on the night, which included the auctioning of three bottles of Boschendal’s top-of-the-range reds. This sum will go far in helping to run the annual under-12 Schools’ Cricket Tournament organised by Groot Drakenstein Games Club, which is at present being played between eleven schools in the greater Drakenstein Valley.

Richard von Hoesslin

Solms-Delta to Cape Town CarnivalSolms-Delta wine estate is the home base of

the Delta Valley Entertainers – a Cape “Klopse” style walking brass and percussion band – that is affectionately known as the pride and joy of the Drakenstein. This year they’ll once again share their style of pride and joy at the Cape Town Carnival 2015.

They first started performing at the Cape Town Carnival in 2012. “Through being part of the annual Cape Town Carnival, we have learnt about networking, structure and building our infrastructure through strategic planning, and proper execution and evaluation of our learning. Most of all, Cape Town Carnival allows our participants to prepare and perform in a fun environment where they can apply ther learnt skills,” says Carlo Fabe, Assistant Music Manager of the Music van de Caab Heritage Development Project.

There are between 50 and 70 players in this band at any given time and they perform traditional as

well as popular music in the Kaapse Klopse style (brass, percussion and reed instruments accompanied by dancers). They also dress up in traditional Klopse uniforms with painted faces to make their performance even more memorable.

They are honoured to be performing alongside some of the city’s most talented artists in 2015. “Not only do we get to share our music with the rest of the world, but we are also humbled to learn the cultures of many other participating groups in Cape Town Carnival. By being part of a world class event like Cape Town Carnival, it provides us with a huge platform for exposure and many other opportunities,” concludes Fabe.

The Delta Valley Entertainers will perform at the Cape Town Carnival, which will take place along the Green Point Fan Walk, on Saturday, 14 March from 16h00 onwards.

www.solms-delta.co.za | www.capetowncarnival.com

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Richard von Hoesslin (left) and David Norris (right) with Michael Holding during his visit

Fire – a long dry season

Franschhoekers are probably relieved that there has not been a big mountain fire again this summer, but it doesn’t mean there have not been fires in the valley. Interestingly Franschhoek is a declared hot spot for fires which means that all resources are deployed in the fighting of fires. Both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have been called on to assist in fire fighting operations this season.

The Tatler spoke to Dale Nortje, the manager at WFPA (Winelands Fire Protection Association), who says they have been dealing with fires regularly since the end of September. Until now there have been 24 fires in the Jim Fouché, Wemmershoek and Berg River areas. A number of fires have also occurred on Matoppie and in the La Motte area. There has been damage to vineyards, the veld and the mountainside. A fire in the third week of February caused damage to rare plant species in the Wemmershoek Wetland before it could be put out. Mr Nortje says that more than 95% of fires are caused by negligence or arson and a case has been opened with the police.

The most serious fire erupted in the Langrug informal settlement on 7 February. More than 180 individuals were left destitute by this fire. It is believed that the fire was caused by a stove that was inadvertently left on after a round of load shedding.

Effective control of fires in the valley is largely thanks to vigilance of people in the area. Mr Nortje says unfortunately people who drive past fires do not slow down and this is potentially dangerous. Smoke does impair visibility and fire-fighting personal could be on the road, in danger of being hit by traffic.

Just to clarify: the municipality deals with fires related to structures or buildings and the district municipality deals with veld and mountain fires. There is a good understanding and mutual support between the two entities.

The WFPA appeals to all Franschhoekers to be vigilant. There has not been much rain this summer and there is often wind; factors ideal for dangerous fires. All veld or mountain fires should immediately be reported to 021 887 4446

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More than 80 shacks were destroyed in the Langrug fire

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3Franschhoek TatlerMarch 2015

Karate students make history

Franschhoek’s karatekas are certainly racking up the accolades. James Alderslade, Corné Johnson, Joshua Daniels and Simon Moses recently became the first students from Franschhoek to be graded to the rank of Junior First Dan (Black Belt) at a grading event held in Muizenberg on Saturday, 13 December 2014.

Corné Johnson was nominated as the Best Junior out of more than 40 participants at the Junior Black Belt Grading.

Chris Ensil, Head Coach of the South African Karate Team, and this group of Franschhoek students were also all medal winners at the Kimura Shukokai International World Karate Championships held at Sun City in 2014. Team South Africa also won the event.

Annelize Morkel, a senior who trains in Franschhoek and also has her own karate school in Vyeboom, was graded to Senior Third Dan by Chris Thompson, 8th Dan and World Chief Instructor on 25 October 2014.

Chris Ensil 083 505 0808

Cellar Restaurant & Terrace

Experience the true marriage of food and wine.

“I’m newly inspired every day. By the view from the restaurant of the valley beyond. By the restaurant itself, with its vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. By the window in the restaurant that gives you a glimpse of the underground cellar and that reminds me of what I’m here to do: To pair amazing food with spectacular wines. So, when I’m

wandering through the kitchen garden, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are never far from my mind. The wines of Haute Cabrière are my muses. They define every culinary decision; they inspire every new idea. The quest is deceptively simple: to make sure that every bite of food you take is made magical by a sip of matching wine.” – Ryan Shell, Head Chef.

AddressPass Road (R45), FranschhoekCape Winelands

GPS Co-ordinates33°54'51.63"S : 19° 8'7.90"E

Reservations & Enquiries+27 (0)21 876 3688

[email protected]

For more information visitwww.cabriere.co.za

Environmental Notes€8.3 million for Sea ShepherdRegular Tatler readers

may recall the visit to our valley some years ago by the founder of the Sea Shephard Conservation Society (SSCS), Capt. Paul Watson. SSCS’s South African director, Herbert Henrich, has informed us that SSCS recently received a financial contribution of €8.3 million from the Dutch Government to assist in their campaign against illegal Japanese whaling. This is the first major contribution from a European nation to SSCS.

Henrich said: “Hopefully this marks the beginning of stronger global opposition to the senseless slaughter of marine mammals, which will commence again this month. SSCS will be in the Antarctic with three vessels, crewed by international volunteers, to disrupt as much of the whaling as it can.”

www.seashephard.org

Gadget Candy supports rhino conservation

Gadget Candy, owned by Val de Vie residents Ray and Denise McCallum, is undertaking a special project in support of rhino conservation. The company, that specialises in adding bling to protective covers for personal technology like cell phones and iPads, is adorning a model of a rhino with 65 000 Swarovski crystals – sponsored by Swarovski in Austria.

The project is in aid of The Wildlands Trust. A previous similar rhino model was auctioned for R50 000. This time around the swanky rhino will be auctioned at the Gary Player Golf Invitational that takes place in the last quarter of 2015.

www.gadgetcandy.co.za

FLTR: Karatekas Annelize Morkel, Chris Ensil (Instructor), Simon Moses, Joshua Daniels,

Corné Johnson and James Alderslade (inset) are racking up the accolades.

Captain Paul Watson

This model rhino is to be covered in crystals


Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 • email: [email protected]

presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Four Paws WinesCalico2014

Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond 2011

Café Bon Bon’sButternut & ricotta tortellini, served with a lemon cream, beurre noisette, rocket & pecorino shavings

Rupert & Rothschild Tasting Centre’sEdmund Braised Springbok, Root vegetable puree and Crispy shallots

Blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. A fruity, hearty summer wine with good structure and a long finish. Can be enjoyed now, but also has excellent aging potential. Cellar Price: R50

Four Paws Wines Tel: 082 375 0524 Email: [email protected]

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Focussed and elegant with delicious pure black cherry, strawberry and dark chocolate notes and lingering roasted coffee bean flavours. Recommended with fillet of beef or gnocchi with shavings of almond.Cellar Price: R328

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons Tel: 021 874 1648 Email:[email protected]

Pasta dough250g ‘oo’ Flour30ml Extra virgin olive oil Pinch of salt2 Eggs Filling 250g butternut small cubed100g ricotta cheeseSalt PepperBasil to tasteMethodFor the pasta dough, mix all ingredients together in food processer until it all comes together. Add little water if

needed. Then using hands, work the dough until smooth and soft, but not too soft – the dough must spring back a bit when pressed with a finger. Cover & leave to rest in fridgeCut butternut in small cubes, season and roast in oven until soft. Leave to cool and crumb ricotta cheese in with butternut. Add basil julienne and taste.Roll out pasta thinly, cut out disks, place filling inside, fold over and connect the ends to form a tortellini shape.Serve with a lemon cream sauce & nut brown butter, fresh rocket, pecorino shavings.

Café Bon Bon Tel: 021 876 3936 Email: [email protected]

Braised SpringbokIngredients: 1 Springbok Shoulder (about 1.5kg), 3 onions, chopped, 3 stalks celery, chopped, 2 large Carrots, chopped, 4 Garlic cloves, crushed, 100g Tomato paste; Oil, salt, pepper; Thyme, bay leaves; 2 bottles Baron Edmund (Red wine); 1L H o m e - m a d e Beef StockMethod: Fry your mirepoix veg (carrots, onions, celery) in some vegetable oil, and when almost browned, add the garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Add the tomato paste, and caramelize with the veg. Add the red wine, about 400ml at a time, and reduce down before adding

the next 400ml. Add the stock, and reduce for about 10 minutes. Skim, and place with the Springbok shoulder in a deep tray, and bake at about 170’C for about 3-4 hours, until tender but not falling apart.Parsnip/Root vegetables PureeIngredients: 1kg Parsnips/Carrot/Potato; 1L Milk; 200ml Cream, water; Salt, white pepperMethod: Wash and peel the parsnips/root veg, and slice into thin rounds. Cover in a pot with half milk and half water, and the 200ml cream. Season lightly and simmer until cooked. Strain the parsnips/root veg out, reserving the

liquid. Make a puree, adding a tiny bit of cooking liquid if necessary. Taste for seasoning.Crispy shallotsIngredients: 5 Shallots or small onions; 40g; Cake flour; saltMethod: Slice the shallots very finely. Dust with the seasoned flour and dust off the excess flour. Fry until golden and crispy.

Rupert & Rothschild Tasting Centre Tel: 021 874 1648 Email:[email protected]

How to enterSend your answer to: [email protected].

The winner will be informed by return mail before 15 March 2015. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info

Office before end March 2015 or be forfeited.

The products of which Italian fashion house are now available in Franschhoek?

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Comparisons are odious, or so they say. Maybe, but they do help to put things into some kind of perspective.

Did you know, for example, that Syria has the same number of hectares under vines as Israel? However, the Israelis may be somewhat ahead if the Arab spring does not produce any good vintages…

I was surprised to find that Yemen also boasts 17 000 hectares of vines, something that their tourist authorities should not ignore. Imagine casting your fly from the top of a sand dune with a glass of chilled ‘Oasis’ Sauvignon to hand. To be fair though, Middle Eastern figures include table grapes!

Internationally, Italy is the leader in pure volume of production. Being polite we do not mention this to France who come a close second. Here in South Africa we are more or less on a par with Portugal. Chile produces nearly twice as much as Argentina and Australia’s harvest compares with that of Austria or Greece. Mr Putin’s yield is about the same as that of Mr Obama, but then the Ruskies also put great faith in vodka, something that

doubtless lessens their call for the fruits of the vine. By the way, did you know that the Russian word for water is ‘voda’? This may cause some confusion at conference tables when deciding the fate of places like Donetsk!

Volumes apart, an interesting statistic shows that those who are drinking less are spending more. The demand is growing for well-made wines and only recently has there been more than enough good wine to go around.

What makes wine so special? Consider that up to the seventeenth century wine was in the unique position of being the only wholesome and storable beverage. Water, being used for just about everything, was hardly potable. Beer had a very short life and spirits were yet to be invented.

The consumption of wine in Europe at that time was amazing to say the least. While we do not have statistics it is reasonable to assume that the population was in a constant fuzz! After the seventeenth century coffee and tea were introduced and the Dutch were successfully experimenting with distilling processes.

While I am a great fan of Rooibos tea and I look forward to my occasional distilled nightcap, I gain a huge sense of satisfaction with my life in and around the world of wine. Unlike statistics, there is no measure of what is good, bad or even better for you with wine. You make your choice and stick to it, with minor deviations of course.

Remember, with wine everyone’s choice is right… think about it.

My Aunt and her husband live in Paris. Wishing to get away from the trauma of ‘Je Suis Charlie’ they have asked for a ‘Lifestyle’ golf tour in and around Cape Town.

Arriving at an itinerary was easy. Here’s what I suggested:

Start in Cape Town and stay at the Steenberg Hotel. Here the Peter Matkovich-designed course is on the doorstep. Brilliantly manicured fairways and exceptional green complexes are augmented by wonderful mountain backdrops. Time off course for a late lunch at Bistro Sixteen82 and dinner at Catherina’s Restaurant make for a special day.

Steenberg Golf Course, 17th holeThen on to Stellenbosch in the winelands. Stay at the

Lanzerac Hotel for two nights. Play the Stellenbosch golf course – a tree-lined traditional course – and then play De Zalze – at the heart of a successful real estate development. The course is immaculately kept with several memorable holes, scenic surrounds and sparkling water features that add to the beauty. Visit the Ernie Els wine estate nearby and have dinner at Terroir on the Kleine Zalze estate.

Next I recommend staying a couple of nights in Franschhoek at La Clé des Montagnes – a luxurious complex of unforgettable villas set on a working wine and fruit farm. Here, they know that Peggy Klement, my favourite golfing partner and my partner in life, is the GM and she assures me she will not charge them double, even though they are my family!

La Galerie at La Clé des MontagnesThe golf here has to be at Pearl Valley; 15 minutes

from Franschhoek. This is a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and merits its reputation as one of South

Africa’s finest golf courses. Though a flat layout, water and bunker features make this a substantial challenge and as always, in this part of the world, spectacular mountain backdrops are a visual delight. Franschhoek is the gourmet capital of South Africa and there is an abundance of world-class restaurants to choose from.

A visit to Haute Cabrière wine estate is a suggestion, not only for the excellent wines, but also the view of the quite unforgettable valley below.

The second course to play while in Franschhoek is Arabella. A scenic drive of over an hour will lead to this wonderful venue. It is my home club and currently ranked among the top five South African courses.

To conclude: Franschhoek is an easy run to the airport and I know they will leave with ‘Je Suis Content’.

Cellar Chat

On and Off Course

Mark TannerLawrence Gould

Franschhoek Wines at cellar door prices.Open 7 days a week • 23 Huguenot Road, Tel: 021 876 3185

FRANSCHHOEK

Wines Franschhoek proudly presents

WINE OF THE WEEK - FREE TASTING

GRANDE PROVENCE 14/3 - 20/3One of our favourites in the shop - yummy Chardonnay, fantastic Pinot Noir and the new Rosé is just beautiful!

DIEU DONNÉ 21/3 - 28/3From the slopes of the mountain - pop in and try the Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc

and the fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2012.

LYNX 28/3 - 3/4Premiere! The new vintage of Lynx Blanc de Noir 2015. The 2014 was sold out

so come and try the 2015 for the first time - we all look forward to have it back!

VREDE EN LUST 7/3 - 13/3Come and taste a great Chenin and their fantastic flagship wine

Bordeaux blend Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus.

Where: Lynx Wines FranschhoekWhen: 28 March 11am to 5pm

[email protected] 021 8670406

The new Pink Lynx has arrived

A little off the beaten track but worth the hunt!

Find us at Fountain Square (behind the Tap and Cork) Daniel Hugo Street | Franschhoek

cell 079 451 3019 | www.facebook.com/thehoek

a relaxed & friendly place

Delicious coffee by Deluxe Coffeeworks

Fine teas by Lady Bonin’s tea

Seasonal juices, tasty treats & free wifito the

Monumentto

Cape Town

HUGUENOT ROAD

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Post Office

Police Station

THE HOEKFountain Square

Above: La Galerie at La Clé des Montagnes Below: Steenberg Golf Course’s 17th hole


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You will be charged the higher of the Actual vs Volumetric weight. So pack as small as possible, but remember that your protective packaging for fragile / breakable items is the most important thing to ensure your goods get to their destination in one piece and intact.

DESTINATION – City / Town

Main centres (like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban) can be serviced faster than regional areas (like Franschhoek, Oudtshoorn, etc.). Regional areas often need additional days to facilitate deliveries, and some small towns are only serviced on certain days of the week. Main centres are also cheaper than regional areas. Farms / Game farms are charged additional surcharges because they are not on main roads and are often far away.

Ask us about our PostNet to PostNet service, R99 for up to 5kgs, delivery within 2 to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) anywhere in South Africa. Terms and Conditions Apply. The receiver then collects his/her item from the PostNet store.

SERVICE

Services available are:

Overnight air freight – to main centres only (delivery next day)

Non-Express air freight and/or road freight or combination thereof (48 – 72 hour delivery)

Economy – sent by road freight (3 – 5 days)

The more urgent a parcel / document is the more it will cost to send as it becomes a priority item requiring special arrangements, special drivers etc. So try to send items timeously and do not wait until the last minute. We also have to accept that many factors can influence the delivery or cause a delay in delivery of parcels, like load shedding (goods cannot be booked on flights, goods cannot be tracked, delays due to traffic lights not working etc), strikes – delivery vehicles have to re-direct, or even be cancelled due to safety, and then there is the human factor and mechanical factors. Although we try our best we do not have control of these factors.

►Tell us about the latest PostNet takeover and what it could mean?

PostNet Southern Africa has formed an alliance with ARAMEX. Aramex is a lot more than just a global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions. Aramex is a publicly traded company employing more than 13,900 people in 354 locations across 60 countries and leads a strong alliance network providing global presence and reach. Aramex have workable solutions and state-of-the-art technology to add to the growing e-commerce field. Effectively this means that PostNet will give you more options in terms of service providers, and more services.

Two of the most exciting new products are (1) a cost effective international wine courier service for samples and sales and (2) Aramex Global shopper which is an online shopping delivery service that enables customers to receive goods from online stores in 13 different countries.

We will provide more info on these in the next Tatler issue.

PostNet Franschhoek would like to thank all its customers for their support. To all those Franschhoekers who do not know of all the many things we do at PostNet we would like to extend an invitation to call on us and put us to the test.

Country Newspaper Language Schedule Daily/Weekly Price (inc VAT)

Australia Daily Telegraph Sydney Print Edition English -MTWTFS Daily R 80

Australia Sydney Morning Herald English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

Australia The Age English SMTWTF- Daily R 70

Australia The Age (Saturday Edition) English ------S Weekly R 90

Belgium De Standaard Dutch -MTWTFS Daily R 80

Belgium Het Laaste Nieuws Dutch -MTWTFS Daily R 60

France Le Figaro French -MTWTFS Daily R 70

France Le Monde French S-TWTFS Daily R 70

France L'Equipe French SMTWTFS Daily R 60

Germany Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung German -MTWTFS Daily R 70

Germany Sueddeutsche Zeitung German -MTWTFS Daily R 70

Germany Handelsblatt German -MTWTF- Daily R 70

Ireland Irish Independent English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

Ireland The Irish Times English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

Italy La Repubblica Italian SMTWTFS Daily R 60

Italy Corriere della Sera Italian SMTWTFS Daily R 70

Italy Il Sole 24 Ore Italian SMTWTFS Daily R 70

Japan Yomiuri Shimbun Japanese SMTWTFS Daily R 60

Japan Mainichi Shimbun Japanese SMTWTFS Daily R 60

Netherlands De Telegraaf Dutch -MTWTFS Daily R 70

Russia Moskovski Komsomolets Russian -MTWTFS Daily R 60

Russia Kommersant Russian -MTWTFS Daily R 60

Spain El Pais Spanish SMTWTFS Daily R 70

Sweden Dagens Nyheter Swedish -MTWTF- Daily R 70

Switzerland Neue Zuercher Zeitung German -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK Daily Express English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

UK Daily Express Weekend English S-----S Weekly R 90

UK Daily Mail (Weekday) English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

UK Daily Mail (Saturday) English ------S Daily R 90

UK The Mail on Sunday English S------ Daily R 90

UK Daily Mirror English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK Daily Record English SMTWTFS Daily R 70

UK Daily Telegraph English S-----S Weekly R 90

UK Daily Star English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

UK Daily Star Weekend English S-----S Weekly R 90

UK Financial Times Europe English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK Financial Times UK English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK The Guardian English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK Observer English S------ Weekly R 90

UK The Independent English SMTWTFS Daily R 70

UK The Sun English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

UK The Times English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

UK The Times Saturday English ------S Weekly R 90

UK The Sunday Times English S------ Weekly R 90

International International New York Times English -MTWTFS Daily R 60

USA Boston Globe English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

USA Los Angeles Times Metro English SMTWTFS Daily R 70

USA The New York Times English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

USA USAToday English -MTWTF- Daily R 60

USA The Wall Street Journal English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

USA The Wall Street Journal Europe English -MTWTF- Daily R 70

USA Washington Post English -MTWTFS Daily R 70

USA Washington Post Sunday English S------ Weekly R 90

IF YOUR FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER DOES NOT APPEAR HERE PLEASE ASK FOR OUR FULL LIST OF > 1600 TITLES!

Please note: Pricing valid from 01 March 2015 - September 2015. Power failures can influence the availability and printing of news papers. Newspaper orders need to be confirmed by email to [email protected]. Newspaper availability is solely dependant on the license holder for availability.

Left to right: Elsa Post (Owner / Manager), Margaret Valentyn, Sylvia Mgweba, Lynn Saayman (Office admin / Accounts)


La Bri a label winnerWine Label Design Awards 2015

La Bri Wine Estate’s wine labels were one of 31 finalists in the Rotolabel Wine Label Design Awards 2015. When the winners were announced on 18 February the estate walked off with a bronze award for wines in a series.

Wine consumers know that wine marketers will go to great lengths to make their products stand out on a shelf bursting with attention-grabbing labels. The team at La Bri, in conjunction with Anthony Lane Design Consultancy, chose an alternative approach. Their wines with their simple subtly-hued floral labels –topped with brightly-coloured capsules – steer clear of packaging gimmicks. There are no bevelled edges, gold foiling or unusual shapes in sight and contrary to expectation this is exactly why they do stand out.

The range’s labels feature indigenous flowers. The two whites in the range, a Chardonnay and a Viognier, feature yellow Clivia (Clivia miniata var. citrina) and

Green Ixia (Ixia viridiflora), respectively. Clivias are named after the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Charlotte Clive, who first cultivated the type specimen in England. The bright yellow colour of the Clivia is synonymous with a lively Chardonnay that has rich floral notes on the nose.

The Green Ixia is extremely rare and difficult to grow; those who succeed however are rewarded with a remarkable show of flowers. Viognier, like the Ixia, is relatively rare in South Africa and can deliver spectacular results depending on the winemaker’s approach to making this wine.

Labels were judged in three categories: 1) under R60 a bottle; 2) over R60 a bottle and 3) labels forming a series – no price constraints. Judging criteria included originality of concept, execution, shelf appeal and effectiveness as a piece of communication.

www.labri.co.za | 021 876 2593

24 dirkie uys street · tel 021 876 4304 www.davidwalters.co.za

designer craftsman · ceramic studio · gallery

HANDMADE IN FRANSCHHOEK

Enjoy dinner from La Petite Ferme’s famous à la carte menu, alfresco under African summer skies, to the sound of live music on our lawns. Fridays from 18:00 till 21:30 | R50pp cover charge | Reserve your table 021 876 3016 | For further details visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za

DEC

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15M

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FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE SUMMER 2014/15

5 DEC Tarabu

12 DEC James Stewart

19 DECTarabu

2 JAN James Stewart

9 JAN The Real Wicomb Trio featuring

Simangele Mashazi

16 JAN Tarabu

23 JAN Louise Day

30 JAN James Stewart

6 FEB Louise Day

13 FEB James Stewart

20 FEB Tarabu

27 FEB Koba

6 MAR James Stewart

13 MAR Louise Day

20 MAR Tarabu

27 MAR Koba

Enjoy dinner from La Petite Ferme’s famous à la carte menu, alfresco under African summer skies, to the sound of live music on our lawns. Fridays from 18:00 till 21:30 | R50pp cover charge | Reserve your table 021 876 3016 | For further details visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za

DEC

EMBE

R 20

14JA

NUA

RY

2015

FEBR

UARY

20

15M

ARC

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15

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE SUMMER 2014/15

5 DEC Tarabu

12 DEC James Stewart

19 DECTarabu

2 JAN James Stewart

9 JAN The Real Wicomb Trio featuring

Simangele Mashazi

16 JAN Tarabu

23 JAN Louise Day

30 JAN James Stewart

6 FEB Louise Day

13 FEB James Stewart

20 FEB Tarabu

27 FEB Koba

6 MAR James Stewart

13 MAR Louise Day

20 MAR Tarabu

27 MAR Koba

Celebrate summer!La Motte Straw Wine and seasonal fruit

La Motte Wine Estate has just released the latest edition of the La Motte Straw Wine. Made from Viognier grapes, chosen for their aromatic properties, this wine offers intense dried apricot and almond flavours as well as distinct jasmine flowers on the nose. These fruity and floral notes follow through on the palate with a silky texture and nutty aftertaste.

While it is not conventional to enjoy this style of wine during the summer months, served well chilled, the La Motte Straw Wine is a versatile accompaniment to a variety of confectionery and desserts – especially those incorporating the wonderful selection of fruit available in the Winelands at this time of year.

Sweet wine had a prominent place in old Cape hospitality and following the tradition where the man of the house served some sweet wine (called a “soet sopie”) with tea, cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche suggests serving the La Motte Straw Wine with fruit-filled pastries. (For a savoury option, keep in mind that the La Motte Straw Wine is delightful with salty cheeses such as Roquefort and Feta!)

With all things traditional making a come-back, perhaps it is also time to again introduce the custom of sweet wine and summer fruit to the tea table!

www.la-motte.com | 021 876 8000

Solms-Delta trio get a striking revamp

Franschhoek’s popular Solms-Delta wine estate has revitalised a trio of wines in its range with a vibrant new look. With these latest vintages, the fresh and eye-catching design reflects the estate’s reputation for innovation and its rich heritage.

Previously named the Langarm, Vastrap and Lekkerwijn, the wines have been renamed Solms-Delta Shiraz 2013, Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 and Solms-Delta Rosé 2014, respectively. The much-loved nicknames that have a special link to the farm’s history have been retained, with an explanation of each on each wine’s back label.

“These wines have built a loyal following,” says Solms-Delta winemaker Hagen Viljoen. “The new design supports what we do in the cellar in pursuit of an easy-drinking and fruit forward style.”

The Solms-Delta Shiraz 2013 shows aromas of plums, prunes and cassis, with hints of oak spice. There are notes of liquorice and mint that lead to a smooth, generous palate. It is ideal on its own, or at any informal occasion or convivial dinner table, paired with hearty dishes.

Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 is dry, fresh and fruity, showing aromas of ripe guava, apple and banana in particular. The wine has a juicy mid-palate with hints of stone fruit followed by a fresh clean finish on the palate. An ideal summer wine, it’s best enjoyed at any informal occasion, poolside or picnic and pairs well with fish, chicken, salad and pizza.

Solms-Delta Rosé 2014 is a wine with delicate aromatics that was made with Grenache and a small portion or Cinsault. It has an alluring, light salmon colour while the nose shows bright red fruit

with raspberry, strawberry and apple notes. The concentrated fruit and minerality on the focused palate make the wine ideal lunch-time tipple.

The new packaging incorporates a vivacious colour palette and highlights the essence of activities at Solms-Delta: “Creating Wine, Music and Hope”, a credo that appears on every bottle. The reference to wine promotes the drive for easy-drinking and accessible styles for all; music, a unifying force reflected by the farm’s music activities and represented on the label by a tin-can guitar; and, hope – the dream of a better future for the Solms-Delta community and workers.

The three wines are part of a diverse portfolio that is produced on the farm and caters for an array of tastes. Solms-Delta has 35ha planted to vines. It also sources grapes from South Africa’s top performing vineyards. The estate’s core philosophy of innovation resulted during its early establishment in the introduction of varietals suited to the climate and soils of the famous Franschhoek Wine Valley as well as the ancient Mediterranean practice of vine desiccation.

The estate has also become known for its activities around heritage preservation. The new Music van de Caap) Music Centre is the result of ongoing research and community development work that highlighted the essential part that music plays in local heritage.

Solms-Delta is home to the Museum van de Caab, a treasury of artefacts unearthed at the estate and testament to all who lived and worked there over the centuries; and, a garden of indigenous plants that supplies the estate’s Fyndraai restaurant.

www.solms-delta.co.za │(021) 874 3937


Wild in Africa Rhino BallA roaring success! That’s the verdict of both the

organisers and attendees of the ‘Wild in Africa Rhino Ball’ that took place in aid of the Poached Rhino charity in the town hall on 7 February.

No fewer than 134 guests attended and really got into the spirit of the event by taking the black tie / safari dress code to creative highs.

A sumptuous 3-course dinner was served and provided by Escoffier, while the evening’s musical fare was provided by a local choir, Renate playing violin in the famous ‘bubble’ and a deejay. The guest speaker, extreme adventurer and conservationist Braam Malherbe, also had the audience rapt.

All told the event resulted in a net profit of just over R150 000. All the money will be spent to help stop the senseless slaughter of South African rhinos.

Asked who he’d like to thank for their part in the event Poached Rhino Chairman, Graeme Oliver, said: “Poached Rhino would like to thank all the guests for their support as well as July Oliver, Sarah MacGinty, Perrys, Tobins, MacAllisters, Donaldsons, Doug Gurr, Lucia, Kim Tracey, Maxi, Regin, Paul Silberman, Carol Thorns, local artist Jo, JSS, MCC, Akkerdal, La Petite Ferme, Freedom Hill, La Couronne, Dieu Donné, Haut Espoir, Haute

Cabrière, La Vie de Luc, Lust Bistro & Bakery, The Grill Room, Trees SA, NapkinG, Salmon Bar, Forever Gems, La Motte, Babylonstoren, Boekenhoutskloof, Rupert & Rothschild, Rickety Bridge, La Chataigne, Mount Camdeboo, Swingfit, Auberge Chocolates, Taki’s, Les Secrets, Salon La Belle, Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, Clarins, Tracey Kirsten, Tony Fishlock and all the other generous bidders. Sorry if I missed anyone, but please know your contribution is very much appreciated.”

Poached Rhino’s next event will be a charity golf day in April. Please email [email protected] for details.

www.poachedrhino.org

Luxury Italian brand arrives in SA – and Franschhoek

South African luxury goods aficionados are abuzz with news that the Italian luxury women’s clothing brand Lusia Spagnoli has arrived in our country. The brand spent 2014 focusing on new markets opening single brand stores in Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, China and, of course, South Africa.

“It is actually the oldest European label,” said company representative Carlo Secca. “Everyone associates Chanel with vintage European style, but Luisa Spagnoli was conceived many years before – in 1928.”

The Spagnoli family still runs the business today, with the founder’s great grandchild, Nicoletta Spagnoli as the current CEO. She has put her style and creativity into designing a

different line aimed at a younger clientele. The tailored clothing and knitwear products are a result of a mix of creative energy and high-quality workmanship.

A select range of Luisa Spagnoli products will be available exclusively at Isabella Charlotte Boutique in Huguenot Street. The Hyde Park Corner and V&A Waterfront stores join 200 other stores worldwide, 152 being in Italy.

Based in Perugia, Luisa Spagnoli is known for attracting royalty. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has worn the label to multiple royal outings and Princess Beatrice chose a Luisa Spagnoli garment for Royal Ascot last year.

www. luisaspagnoli.com │021 876 2707

San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Top 10Franschhoek finalist and Franschhoek judge

Darren Badenhorst, Executive Chef of The Restaurant at Grande Provence, has made the cut for the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Top 10 in Africa and the Middle East.

This highly contested scouting project to find the world’s best young chefs, covers 20 world regions and the top chefs from each zone will be selected as the 20 official finalists. The overall winner will be announced in Milan in June.

The judging will also feature Franschhoek interest as internationally acclaimed Margot Janse, Executive Chef at Le Quartier Français’ The Tasting Room, will be joining fellow judges chefs Massimo Bottura, Gaston Acurio, Yoshihiro Narisawa, Yannik Alléno, Joan Roca and Eric Ripert to decide the winner.

One of seven South African chefs to be selected for the regional finals this year, Chef Darren has entered a favourite item from his autumn menu: Parma wrapped slow cooked rabbit with palm sugar Szechuan rabbit liver brûlée and pumpkin seed gremolata.

“I have a serious soft spot for this dish. Rabbit is a very underutilised ingredient in South Africa, yet is has great potential in a variety of preparation and cooking methods,” says Chef Darren who experimented over and over to fine tune and tweak the subtle herbal tones of rabbit with the smoky robust notes of classically cured Parma ham, incorporating both seasonal and imported

produce to create a balanced, unique, and delicious dish.“I found my culinary clarity when I decided to settle

in Franschhoek. I immersed myself in the area, the terroir, the ingredients, the seasons and the unique lifestyle surrounded by vineyards. At this point I have entered into a bigger ideal than just cooking food for guests, but rather to ensure that they are able to experience at least some of the aspects that made me fall in love with food during their own culinary journey. It is also important to pay respect and reflect your surroundings in food. I do this by using what I have available to me; venturing out to cut old vine trimmings to smoke local trout and collecting flowers, herbs, and fruits growing between the vines which create a unique depth in flavour.”

www.grandeprovence.co.za | 021 876 8600

National Alpaca Day 2015

The South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society, SAABS, has declared Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015, as South Africa’s first National Alpaca Day! On this day alpaca farms and studs throughout the country will open their gates to showcase the exotic and noble South American alpaca.

This is your opportunity to hug one of these delightful animals, learn about their fascinating history and how their exquisitely fine fibre came to be known as “the fibre of the Inca Gods”. Visit on-site workshops where you will find spinners and

weavers at work producing fine yarn and products, and purchase a lifelong heirloom in soft pure alpaca!

All you have to do is “click to find a farm near you”. Visit www.alpacasociety.co.za and follow the pointers to National Alpaca Day, then click on the province where you will be at Easter to find a choice of farms. Simple as that.

(The closest alpaca farms to Franschhoek are in Villiersdorp, Wellington and Paarl.)

www.alpacasociety.co.za | 079 895 4121 (Diane Kruger)

Franschhoek hou feesmarkDie NG Kerk in die hart van Franschhoek hou sy

jaarlikse feesmark op Vrydag 6 en Saterdag 7 Maart. Diegene wat dit al bygewoon het, weet dit is ’n fees met ’n hoofletter F!

Vrydagaand kuier ons vanaf 18h00 onder die bome voor die kerksaal. Daar is te kies en te keur uit tradisionele fynproewersdisse soos potjiekos, hoendersosaties, hoenderpastei, seekos, bobotie, pampoenkoekies, boerewors rolletjies, tuisgebakte brode, olywe en kaas sowel as braaivleis, prego-rolletjies en pitabrode. Vir die wyn connoisseur is daar die beste uit die wingerde in ons vallei. Bier, gemmerbier en koeldrank sal ook te koop wees en volop nageregte en pannekoek, koeke, terte, beskuit en kleinkoekies wag vir die soet tand.

Terwyl die kinders Vrydagaand se fliek met springmielies en koeldrank geniet, sal daar vermaak verskaf word en

‘n veiling met opwindende items vir die grootmense gehou word. Die groot trekpleister Vrydagaand is egter die optrede van Nico Nel van Maak-’n-Las-faam wat besoekers met sy stories en grappe sal vermaak.

Saterdagoggend begin ons om 09h00 met ontbyt rolletjies en boeretroos in die teetuin vir die vroeë besoekers met musiekbegeleiding onder die bome waar uitstallers hul handgemaakte produkte by die gebruiklike plaasmark kom verkoop. Ons gemeente verskaf weer al die eetgoed soos die vorige aand met kraakvars groente, vrugte en plante uit ons tuine en landerye om saam te neem huis toe. Vir die kinders is daar ook baie pret beplan.

Daar iets vir almal op die spyskaart, so kom geniet die naweek saam met ons. Daar is volop veilige parkering op die terrein.

Navrae: 021 876 2431 weeksoggende of 082 662 0717 (Joanine)

Franschhoek Klub Potjiekos Kompetisie14 MAART 2015 / 14 MARCH 2015

• Datum:14 Maart 2015• Tyd: Vanaf 13h00• Plek:N.G Kerk Franschhoek• Kaartjies beskikbaar by Jannie van

Franschhoek Motors

• Date:14 March 2015• Time: From 13h00• Place: N.G Church Franschhoek• Tickets available at Jannie from

Franschhoek Motors

Franschhoek Klub Potjiekos Kompetisie14 MAART 2015 / 14 MARCH 2015

• Datum:14 Maart 2015• Tyd: Vanaf 13h00• Plek:N.G Kerk Franschhoek• Kaartjies beskikbaar by Jannie van

Franschhoek Motors

• Date:14 March 2015• Time: From 13h00• Place: N.G Church Franschhoek• Tickets available at Jannie from

Franschhoek Motors

Franschhoek KlubPotjiekos Kompetisie

Datum: 14 Maart 2015Tyd: Vanaf 13h00Plek: NG Kerk FranschhoekKaartjies beskikbaar by Jannie van Franschhoek Motors

Date: 14 March 2015Time: From 13h00Place: NG Church FranschhoekTickets available from Jannie at Franschhoek Motors

James & Nelly Kibera and Tony Fishlock

Darren Badenhorst


Dr Glynn Till

ChiropracticSpecialist Clinician

Low back, Mid-back and Neck PainsMyofascial Pain Syndromes (“trigger points”)

Sciatica & Brachial NeuralgiaTMJ ProblemsSports Injuries

HeadachesArthritis

57 Cabriere Street, Franschhoek, 7690Cell: 073 227 1851

DC (USA), FCCS (Can)Practice Number: 040 1110

Registration Number: A07609

Transforming Education in the Franschhoek Valley South African Education system is in a crisis - but Franschhoek doesn't have to follow suit. The valley offers a contained environment that allows for the manageable implementation of new solutions. Franschhoek has 7 schools - with 6500 learners and 22 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres - with 600 pre-schoolers.

Bhabhathane focuses on: Early Childhood Development, Principal Enrichment, Teacher Enrichment, Parental Involvement and ICT.

Bhabhathane is an ambitious, privately funded initiative, started in 2012 and overseen by the principals of the schools and the Chair of the ECD Forum. We are supported by local and international trusts and individual donors - like you!

For more information, a tour of one of our projects or funding opportunities please contact Lynn Campbell on 079 110 5890 or [email protected] or Alastair Wood on 082 929 6111 or [email protected]

021 876 3310

Please don’t put my child in the ‘Top set’

My first experience of academic ‘setting’ or ‘streaming’* was in primary school, in the ‘80s. The practice was common-place, as far as I can remember, and continued all through my high-school years. I can’t say I cared one way or the other, save for bunking ‘Top-set’ Maths in Matric to sit in on Mrs Cartwright’s ‘B-set’ classes. Mrs Cartwright was a phenomenal Maths teacher and invariably took those with potential, but not results, and turned them into honours board candidates. I was not alone in my desire to be in her class, and at the end of the first term many of the A-set Maths class purposely failed to get an invitation ‘down’ the academic ladder.

Many years later, while poring over class lists as a teacher and head, in preparation for the upcoming academic year I would challenge my HODs about their motivation to conjure up certain class combinations. In my experience streaming was more beneficial for the staff than it was for the pupils, and in fact I’m prepared to suggest that no more than a handful of children benefited significantly from being in the ‘Top set’.

According to the Education Endowment Foundation, evidence gathered over more than 30 years, particularly in the UK and USA, shows that higher attaining learners make between one and two additional months' progress when set or streamed,

compared to when taught in mixed ability groups. In addition high attaining pupils benefit from a range of different kinds of grouping, including pull-out classes, accelerated classes and promotion (where high attaining pupils move up a year).

Importantly, low attaining pupils fall behind by one or two months a year, on average, when compared with the progress of similar pupils in classes with mixed ability groups. It appears likely that routine setting or streaming arrangements undermine low achievers’ confidence and discourage the belief that attainment can be improved through effort.

With a son in Grade 1 this year, I have time on my side. If he’s the kind of child who has to knuckle down to get results I guess I’ll be known as one of “those” parents; if he’s a top achiever I’ll probably do

very little until he bunks a few classes! Brett Garner | The Bumble Bee Play School*Pupils with similar levels of current attainment are

grouped together either for specific lessons on a regular basis (setting or regrouping), or as a whole class (streaming or tracking). The assumption is that it will be possible to teach more effectively or more efficiently with a narrower range of attainment in a class.


2015 is certainly in full swing by now. What a whirlwind year this has been up to now. The earliest grape harvest in decades caught a lot of farmers unawares and made for some quick thinking to get logistics and labour sorted out. Weather-wise we are experiencing one of the driest summers in years, but with temperatures in the low to normal ranges. We certainly look forward to the first autumn rains.

March brings with it the best rose flush of the season. It is also the time for some marvellous autumn bulbs like the March lilies to show their beauty. The deciduous trees and vineyards will slowly start to turn into the most amazing shades of amber, red and brown. The days are clear, mornings start to be cooler and one can certainly sense some expectation for the rain season and the fresh growth that it will bring.

Autumn is harvest time and that should keep you busy enough. Most gardeners I know have a glut of tomatoes, eggplant, green peppers and green beans at the moment. Share, preserve and eat as much as you can. But do not leave them hanging on the bushes for too long. Rotting fruit lying around the garden is a sure recipe for insect infestations that will only be apparent next season. If you have some chickens roaming the garden it is always good to allow them into the garden post-harvest. They love all the fruit fly larvae, aphids, caterpillars and will even clean up most of the fallen fruit. Fruit trees and vines should be given around halve of their yearly fertiliser requirements now. For the home gardener that means a few spadesful of manure and 2 or 3 handful of organic 3:1:5. Water regularly and deeply. If the rain stays away you will have to mimic some autumn rain by giving the entire garden a good soak or two. This is a difficult decision though because water is scarce at the moment. Maybe wait until the end of March to do this.

All beds can be prepared for winter planting. I have committed myself to sowing my cover crops earlier this year, but for that we need rainfall – so it is a wait and see approach. Work in plenty of organic material and add some bone meal or super phosphate if necessary. It is also useful to have your soil pH tested every few years. Add lime if the soil is too acidic. Lime is also a good source of calcium - gypsum can be added for this purpose in neutral soils. The time and effort spent on proper preparation now will pay off next season.

Prune summer flowering shrubs, deadhead regularly and give your roses a final feed by the end of the month. Camelias and Azaleas can do with some feeding to ensure that they hang on to their flowers in spring. All summer flowering perennials can be lifted and divided now. This is a great way to increase your planting area and also share with friends.

Winter vegetables like kale, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli can be sown in seedbeds. Make the first sowing of peas and broad beans towards the end of the month. Sweet pea trenches must be prepared now, with the sowing done early in April. Year round veggies can obviously be sown as well. Think of some interesting cover crops for winter – fava beans, lupins, winter wheat, rye and mustard are all good options. Even a bed full of weeds is better than bare soil – just make sure the plants don’t go to seed.

I find myself too busy outdoors to spend enough time in the kitchen to preserve all the excess we are blessed with so I have been forced to focus on the really useful items – tomato and chilli sauces, sundried tomatoes and grape jellies. Beans are blanched and frozen. Cucumbers are made into gazpacho or tzatziki. Pumpkins keep well if the skins are allowed to harden in the sun so I am not yet worried about them.

Happy gardening!

Coleus – brighten up those darker corners

Taking a look at the common names for coleus, it doesn’t take much imagination to tell, it’s all about the leaves. “Flame Nettle” and “Painted Leaf ” conjure up the most vibrant and colourful images and even though it’s also referred to as “poor man’s croton”, part of its history suggests that coleus is anything but. Though native to South East Asia, this normally tropical plant was introduced to Victorian gardens by Dutch botanist Karl Ludwig Blume, causing quite a stir with the privileged.

As with people, some can’t tolerate full sun and in the case of coleus, very few do with most enjoying partial shade or dappled light. However, vegetative hybrids that do tolerate light will realise their full potential enjoying a few hours of sun per day. Excellent for use as a ground cover, these plants will inject colour into

the darker, drabber corners of the garden and will also do well indoors. They require fertile, well-drained soil and new plants, in particular, will benefit from a little extra watering. When planting, space your coleus uniformly and pinch back to promote new growth. At 20 cm high with densely packed foliage, this mini canopy will act as a natural mulch, keeping the soil cool through the summer months.

Indulge your plants with a liquid all-purpose fertiliser feed once a month and although very low on maintenance, these babies will need to be watered regularly. Remember that evergreen coleus is a warm season annual, sensitive to frost and should be wintered inside.

www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Total Storage 71.5%

This Time Last Year70.9% - 97.2%

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Rainfall Figures

mm/year mm/month Dam Levels

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

824

709

916

884

1153

1217

978

740

830

1079

1471

1033

20 20

2015

69

5

76

50

120

260

135

162

64

13

72

7

69

74

150

200

320

580

715

877

941

954

1026

1033

2014AccumulativeMonthAccumulativeMonth

As at 16 February 2015

Steenbras Upper

Steenbras Lower

Wemmershoek

Voëlvlei

Theewaterskloof

Berg River Dam

89.5%

52.9%

67.0%

66.9%

73.2%

71.5%

Gardening in March

Plant of the Month

Natie FerreiraFrankie Brooks

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Legal Aid Clinic Joins Farm Dialogue Network At the Farm Dialogue meeting on 2 February, the

Stellenbosch University Legal Aid Clinic director, Dr Marion Hattingh, committed the Clinic to working with The Charter Trust to bring improved legal aid to farm workers. Chairperson Peet Bester welcomed this and explained that the Farm Dialogue tries to make the aims of The Charter a reality by establishing networks and creating an atmosphere where all stakeholders can meet to discuss matters of common interest.

Dr Hattingh explained that the Legal Aid Clinic is part of the University's community outreach programme and provides advice and assistance to individuals earning less than R5000 a month, or families earning less than R6000. Legal aid is provided in family law, divorce, labour contracts, debt claims, and farm evictions. There is also a Children's Law Centre to help underprivileged children and parents. There is a centre operating in Franschhoek on the first Wednesday of every month in the Groendal Community centre, staffed by Ms Steph Grobler or Ms. Mathilda Rosslee. The Farm Dialogue welcomed this additional network and promised to publicise the services of the Clinic through the Landbouvereniging

and through posters in the village and on farms. Stellenbosch University Choir Academy to

teach Franschhoek choir leadersThe Franschhoek Valley Transformation Charter

Trust has set up a partnership agreement with the Stellenbosch University Choir Academy (SUCA) to conduct weekly lessons for Choir Leaders of the valley. These lessons will be taught by a final year music student of the Stellenbosch University’s Music Department under the supervision of Professor Martin Berger who is the Head of the SUCA and the Choral and Conducting course. Lessons in Sight Reading, Conducting and Choir Management will be covered during the course of the year. This is indeed a wonderful opportunity for our choir leaders, who will receive good professional training in a well-structured course. Lessons take place every Wednesday evening at 18h00 at either the Congregational Church Hall or the Lord’s Acre Mission Centre. The venue is rotated on a weekly basis.

There is still opportunity for new choir leaders to join. Please contact Jeremy Davids on 082 472 5156 or send an email to [email protected] for further information.

Rotary International turns 110!This year sees Rotary International celebrate 110

years since its humble beginnings in Chicago in 1905. Today, this service-before-self organisation has grown to 34 871 clubs worldwide, with 299 clubs in southern Africa and 60 clubs in District 9350, which is made up of Western and Northern Cape, Angola and Namibia.

"We are calling on all fellow-Rotarians and friends of Rotary to celebrate this wonderful 110 year milestone with us this year. As Rotary, we have achieved incredible successes for more than a century, with a lot more that needs to be done to help develop and invest in sustainable community initiatives," said Cecil Rose, Governor of District 9350. "In the past year alone, clubs in our district have invested over R26 million,

in projects spanning from education, health care, development and training to mention a few; no mean feat for a volunteer-orientated organisation," he added.

Rotarians across the globe will be celebrating this special occasion in different ways. Everyone who is, or has ever been a Rotarian or part of a Rotary project, is encouraged to share their memories either on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #Rotary110. Clubs challenged their fellow members and Clubs with a #110challenge, where they were challenged to donate 110 items during the centenary month of February e.g. 110 tinned food items for the local animal shelter, or 110 stationary items for the local community school.

Although the challenges and celebrations will be taking place throughout the year, the official anniversary date was 23 February. On this day, clubs were encouraged to blow out 110 candles at noon, either on a cake or on something resembling a project or initiative that is close to that Club's heart.

To learn more about Rotary, or if you have an exciting #110challenge that you would like to set for the Rotarians, please contact Regine le Roux on 083 302 1528 or [email protected]

ACVV Franschhoek is at the Village Market every Saturday morning. We make and sell deeeelicious goodies...

Do check out our stall – we’re growing bigger and bigger!

Enjoy one of our great healthy breakfasts. Pick your favourite from: Home-made honey muesli, fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, honey and/or custard in a glass; Croissants with scrambled egg and salmon or bacon; Health muffins – with your choice of cottage cheese, biltong, homemade strawberry or peach jam, cheese and/or cream; and Humongous freshly baked scones with cheese, strawberry jam and/or cream (the best in Franschhoek!). Wash it down with a selection of teas, coffees, ginger beer, Coca-Cola by the glass, or ice-cold bottled water.

We’ve also got honeys. Bubbly and fresh fruit juice

will be on our table soon… and there’s more to come!Take some Cookies-in-a-Jar home with you. They’re

ready for you to bake – just add milk and butter, mix and stick them in the oven!

Fundraising initiatives are a necessity ACVV Franschhoek. Some examples: our very first French Corner Fun Run that took place at the Huguenot Monument in November which was a great success from the start! The next Fun Run will be on 21 November 2015. We also joyfully did catering for about 300 people during the Healing Your Past Releasing Your Future Conference conducted at the NGK last year. The famous Potjiekos Day was also a winner – we made and sold 3 types of yummy potjiekos! See you there in March!

Have you ever wondered what happens at the ACVV Franschhoek office?

Our social work activities include:• Safety and risk assessment includes interviews

with children and their families as well as services to vulnerable older persons and persons abusing substances;

• Connecting children and families with sustainable livelihood support programmes (food, clothing, grants, maintenance, etc);

• Counselling and therapy, family conferences, review panels with families/children/child and youth care centres;

• Recruitment, screening and training of temporary safety/foster parents;

• Children’s court and other statutory investigations;• Foster care;• Parental guidance and information sessions;• Awareness and preventions programmes;• Holiday programmes;• Workshops for older persons;• Networking with role players/donors.• The current case load of our two social workers is:• 180 long term cases (720 persons) and• 264 short term cases (1060 persons)All these cases need to be documented. You can

imagine the amount of paperwork…People served and food parcels supplied per month:

• Monthly – 20 food parcels for persons in need and for safety parents;

• School holidays – 20 food parcels for children in children’s homes;

• Soup Kitchen (temporarily suspended for restructuring): Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays approximately 150 people each day.

Onward and upward… until next time!

Join us on 3 March at Hospice House for an illustrated talk by Liz Atkins on her 757 mile fundraising hike around Wales. The talk starts at 18h30 and the cost is R50 per person – all in aid of Franschhoek Hospice. Tickets available at Hospice House. Join us afterwards for a complimentary glass of wine.

Franschhoek Hospice is now officially registered as a beneficiary of the MySchoolMy VillageMyPlanet fundraising programme. Please support us by changing your beneficiary to Franschhoek Hospice, our reference is 11775. We thank you for your support in advance.

We have been donated a lovely piano, which we are offering for sale at R10 000 or nearest offer. Contact Hospice on 021 876 3085, Monday to Friday, 08h30 –

14h30 if you are interested.We are happy to say that our triplets now have a

fridge. Thank you very much to the donor. Finally, we are delighted to announce that Nik

Rabinowitz is back! His previous performance in aid of Hospice was such a riotous success that he’s agreed to do it again. Nik’s return gig will take place on 4 May at 19h00 in the NG Kerk Hall. Tickets are R200 per person. Book now at Hospice House, as this event will be sold out well before the event!

Hospice News

Rotary News

Transformation Charter

Colleen Douglas Mark Tanner

Margie Ellis

New ‘vision’ for Fleur de LisClicks and Readwell partnered in an initiative to

bring new ‘vision’ to Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged. At their morning tea the residents were surprised with reading glasses for all. There was great joy and many claims made as to which books will be read first. Wessel Louw of Clicks Pharmacy said: “It is a pleasure to give to the community and bring joy to someone who thought they could not read anymore. It really is the type of thing we take for granted until we lose it.”

Fleur de Lis NewsWilna van der Westhuizen

ACVV NewsRonelle Pinard

In Memoriam Peter Barry Ronald Jackson

Peter Barry Ronald Jackson was born on 13 May 1926 in London, England.

Peter left home in 1943, at the age of 17, and joined the Royal Marines, where he rose through the ranks to Colour Sergeant and was awarded his parachute wings. During the WWII he served in the Mediterranean and Pacific and was on board the fleet accompanying USS Missouri into Tokyo Harbour for the signing of the Japanese surrender treaty.

He met and married WRNS Louise Gilbert in Valetta, Malta, on 07 February 1953.

During his time in the Royal Marines Peter represented Combined Services as a swimmer. He also represented the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy at rugby and shooting and was a torch bearer at the 1948 London Olympics.

In 1956 Peter left the Royal Marines to join the Rhodesian Army, as an instructor, where he earned himself a fearsome reputation as a stickler for discipline and smart turnout. He successfully completed an Officer Selection Board and rose to the rank of Captain.

Peter excelled at various sports and represented

the various units where he served at rugby, shooting and basketball.

Peter retired from the Army in 1966 and entered the world of commerce, but continued to serve as a Territorial Force officer until 1980.

Peter moved the family to Chiredzi in 1972, where he was employed by Sugar Sales and was responsible for the export of sugar from the Hippo Valley and Triangle Sugar Estates.

Peter continued his interest in sport, rising to the national level both as coach and administrator.

Peter and Louise emigrated to South Africa in 1992, where they settled in Franschhoek and where he managed the Franschhoek Water Company and Montmartre Guest House. On his retirement in 2006 Peter moved to Villiersdorp in the Western Cape, and then to Howick in KwaZulu-Natal in 2013.

Peter passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, 16 February 2105, after a long and debilitating illness, and is finally at rest.

His passing will be mourned by his wife Louise, children Neill and Johanna, Peta Jane and Neill, his four grandchildren and his two great grandchildren.

“This is my command; be strong and courageous, do not be weak or afraid, for the Lord thy God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1 verse 9

Neill Jackson


Fleur de Lis reageerMet betrekking tot die skrywe ‘Moving on, puzzled’

van Me. Linda Kruger in die Franschhoek Tatler van Februarie 2015, wil die Beheerraad van Fleur de Lis Tehuis vir Ouer Persone graag daarop antwoord en kommentaar lewer. ‘n Afskrif van Me Kruger se brief is deur die Tatler se redakteur aan een van die Beheerraadslede afgelewer, maar die brief is nooit ter insae beskikbaar gestel aan die res van die Beheerraadslede vir kommentaar daarop nie. Dit was dus met groot verbasing dat die Beheerraad eers daarvan bewus geword het toe hulle dit gelees het in die Februarie 2015 uitgawe van die Tatler.

Fleur de Lis Tehuis vir Ouer Persone se Beheerraad, wil belanghebbendes op die volgende wys. Me. Kruger se stelling dat ‘I am not a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, it will be the Christian thing to ask me to leave.’ is totaal onjuis en die tragedie hiervan is dat dit juis die N.G. Kerk en sy lede was, wat grootliks aanvanklike ondersteunende fondse verskaf het aan Me. Kruger ten tye van haar nood. Geloofsoortuiging en dan meer spesifiek lidmaatskap van die N.G. Kerk, is nie ‘n kriterium waaraan voldoen moet word om opgeneem te word in Fleur de Lis nie. Ons wil dit net stel dat ons met Me. Kruger vergader het nadat haar brief verskyn het en sy kon of wou nie hierdie stelling staaf nie.

M.b.t. Me. Kruger se stelling dat ‘funds were made available for me to stay on by various other organisations in town’, die volgende: Fleur de Lis se Beheerraad self het bydraes gemaak en het ook uit hul pad gegaan om donasies by verskeie instansies en lede uit die publiek te werf en/of aan te vra om Me. Kruger se verblyf vir 1 maand in Fleur de Lis Tehuis vir Ouer Persone te befonds. ACVV Franschhoek het al die fondsinbetalings gehanteer en slegs die verblyfkostes is oorbetaal in die bankrekening van Fleur de Lis.

Me. Kruger het van die begin af geweet en dit is aan haar verduidelik en sy het dit ook so verstaan dat sy slegs as ‘n noodmaatreël, vir een maand ge-akkommodeer kon word. Ingevolge wetgewing (Older Persons Act 2006) waarin dit ‘n wetlike vereiste is dat ‘n aansoeker die ouderdom van 60 jaar of ouer moet wees, kon Me. Kruger (wat veel jonger is), nie langer gehuisves word nie. ‘n Tweede maand is wel deur die Beheerraad toegestaan, maar kon nie verder verleng word nie a.g.v. bg. wetgewing.

Ons vertrou dat hierdie skrywe die verkeerde beeld wat geskep is deur onjuisthede nou reggestel het.

Die Beheerraad van Fleur de Lis, wie se lede sonder enige vergoeding dien, tree altyd met deernis op. Waar moontlik, ook om verdienstelike gevalle soos hierdie, na die beste van hul vermoë te hanteer en dienooreenkomstig te handel binne die perke van redelikheid en wetgewing.

Die Beheerraad bedank alle persone en instansies wat gereëld onbaatsugtige bydraes maak vir ons Ouer Persone in Fleur de Lis, nou en in die toekoms.

Beheerraad – Fleur de Lis

Fleur de Lis respondsWith reference to Ms. Linda Kruger’s letter ‘Moving

on, puzzled’ which was published in the February 2015 Franschhoek Tatler, the Board of Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged, wish to answer to the statements of the writer. A copy of Ms. Kruger’s letter was given to a member of the Board by the Tatler’s Editor, but it was not passed on to the rest of the Board to enable them to reply or comment on it. It was therefore with some surprise that the rest of the Board learned of the letter and its contents when they read it in the February 2015 issue of the Tatler.

The Board of Fleur de Lis wishes to categorically deny certain statements made by Ms. Linda Kruger and especially the statement made by Ms. Kruger that the Board of Fleur de Lis said or uttered that ‘I am not a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, it will be the Christian thing to ask me to leave.’ This statement is devoid of any truth and the tragedy of this statement by Ms. Kruger is that it was the Dutch Reformed Church and its members who were the first to financially contribute to the assistance given to Ms. Kruger in the times of her need.

The Board of Fleur de Lis also wish to state that religious beliefs and or any particular Church membership, has never been nor will, form part of any criteria taken into account to allow prospective residents and old aged persons to take up residence in Fleur de Lis. The Board also wishes to state that after the publication of Ms. Kruger’s letter, a meeting was requested with Ms. Kruger and Ms. Kruger could not substantiate this allegation during the meeting.

As regards to Ms. Kruger’s statement that ‘funds were made available for me to stay on by various other organisations in town’; the Board of Fleur de Lis wishes to state that the board members themselves went out of their way to approach various people and businesses to source funding for Ms. Kruger to stay in Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged for 1 month as a temporary emergency measure. Various Board members also contributed personally towards Ms. Kruger’s accommodation during her time of need. It is worthwhile mentioning that any funds and/or donations in this regard which were received, were not handled by Fleur de Lis, but paid into the account of the A.C.V.V. who in turn administered all donations and only Ms. Kruger’s accommodation was paid into the account of Fleur de Lis.

The Board of Fleur de Lis wishes to emphasize that Ms. Kruger was informed during her initial admission that her admission was only (and at best) an ‘emergency’ admission and she was asked whether she understood this, which she did. Also Ms. Kruger was informed that accommodation would only be provided for one month. The Older

Person’s Act of 2006, states very clearly that only persons 60 years and older (Ms Kruger is much younger than 60) may be accommodated in an Old Age Home. Due to the exceptional circumstances, Ms. Kruger was allowed to stay for another month but this could not be extended due to the fact that the Board of Fleur de Lis would’ve been in breach of the Law.

We trust that this letter explains the circumstances surrounding Ms. Kruger’s stay and puts into perspective the sequence of events as it unfolded. The Board of Fleur de Lis serves without any remuneration and treats all admissions and cases like these with all the empathy they deserve and does whatever is possible, but the board had to act within the constraints of the facts mentioned above.

Fleur de Lis wishes to express their gratitude to all the regular donors, past, present and future to the worthy cause of the Elderly of Franschhoek – we are dependent on you!

Fleur de Lis Board

My choiceDear Editor,I would like to respond to a letter in last month’s Tatler,

“Moving on, puzzled” by Linda Kruger.I would like to state for the record that I stay where I

stay out of choice (my choice); NOT because I am not welcome in Franschhoek.

I have been working and living in the Franschhoek area for the last 18 years, of which I have been working for the SPCA for the last 13 years. Never have I been made to feel unwelcome.

Kind regardsLilly Joubert (Coetzee) Medical FeesDear Sir,As a regular visitor (swallow) to Franschhoek for the

last 18 years, it has sometimes been necessary for various reasons to visit a doctor’s surgery.

This year I broke my little toe and had to pay a visit to Dr Tracey Garner’s surgery for a consultation.

I was charged a once-off fee of R600!!!! Having queried this due to the fact that a local resident only paid R400 (?) I was told that as a tourist I must pay more. I think this is extremely unfair to the tourists who support this village.

For your information, most tourists from the UK who have travel insurance do not get any monies back for the first R1350.

The doctor concerned only had a form completed by me but no in-depth medical history was asked for, therefore it only required a quick look at the toe and a form written for an X-ray.

I await your comments,John Lydiate

Dear EditorThank you for the opportunity to respond to Mr.

Lydiate’s letter. It is unfortunate that he did not contact me at the time, as it may have been more useful to deal with his concerns personally; but perhaps it is a good opportunity to explain how medical billing works in South Africa.

According to guidelines given to us by the Health Professions Council, South African doctors charge per consultation and not per time. There is no prescribed fee, but the South African Medical Association recommends a fee of about three times the rate covered by medical aids, i.e. about R900 for a regular consultation. They recommend that every doctor should set their rates in accordance with their overheads in the specific area and practice in which they work.

Our practice does not charge tourists more than local patients; we charge an increased fee for a first consultation, to cover the administrative costs of registering a new patient. At times we do discount a consultation – at our discretion – in order to help someone who may be in financial need.

Medical ethics precludes me from discussing Mr. Lydiate’s case in detail, but I am able to comment on the information he has shared in his letter. Mr Lydiate was sent for an X-ray and the doctor who attended to him requested that he return to the practice to be advised further. He did not return and missed the opportunity to complete the consultation. This would have been included in the fee he paid, and perhaps he would have left feeling more satisfied with the treatment he received.

I am sorry that a patient left my practice feeling unhappy, as my aim as a doctor is to help, heal and promote all aspects of a person’s well-being.

Kind regardsDr Tracey Garner

FH FM 86.7 Franschhoek’s neglected assetDear EditorIn 2007 Franschhoek’s own community radio station

was opened. For about a year it informed and entertained the Valley with Helen Naude’s interviews with winemakers and chefs, Hilda Bougardt’s dance music programme on Fridays that got the whole Valley dancing and chatting, Claradin Roos’s advice to married couples and parents round her coffee table on Sundays, Derk Blaisse’s jazz on a Monday and Jeremy David’s youth programmes in the afternoon. It was a station that informed, entertained and educated. Then, through combined mismanagement and fraud by the management the station first lost its way, and then lost all of its presenters. A group of locals then took it over by force and virtually destroyed what was left of the station technically and professionally. It is now run illegally by a small religious group in total disregards of the ICASA rules and regulations.

The only solution is that a rescue package must be created by a committee of local funders that has to find

R20 000 to restore the station, and then a further R50 000 a month for at least a year. This will pay for a competent station manager and studio engineer. This team can make the station viable enough to partner with Radio FMR in Cape Town. This partnership will give Franschhoek Valley restaurants, wine farms and guest houses an advertising window into Cape Town to bolster local tourism. Also the necessary finance to support FH FM..

If there is no rescue package then the station must be closed down immediately. The transmitter and what is left of the studio equipment should be transferred legally to a worthy, but struggling community radio station that is fulfilling its community mandate, like Radio Overberg in Bredasdorp.

Use it, or lose it

Bergrivier boeweSiegfriedDit is met amper verdwaaldheid, verslaentheid en

omgekrapgeit dat ek hierdie brief stuur. Ek spandeer baie tyd deur my sportsoort in die natuur te beoefen. Woon baie wedlope by, as mense hoor ek kom van Franschhoek, altyd opmerking: “Sjoe, julle moet van die mooiste bergroetes hê om te hardloop.” Inderdaad so. Maar ongelukkig het die skelms in die lewe, ook in ons mooi vallei, die reg van weg. En sit jy soos kluisenaar, te bang iewers te gaan draf.

Ek was onlangs die slagoffer van misdaad by die Bergrivierdam en het intussen uitgevind ek is nie die eerste nie. Daar is ingebreek in my motor en my dagoud selfoon en my baie duur hardloop sonbril is gesteel. Ek was ’n gereelde besoeker en het dikwels met my hond daar gaan

hardloop na sonsak. Nogal vir my man genoem ek voel baie veilig daar. Die natuur is so mooi. Die laaste ruk het ek al meer rommel langs die pad, bierbottels en kondome op die roete gesien. Dit is ‘n groot tragedie dat een van die mooiste areas in ons dorp nou deur skelms beheer word. Daar stap daagliks baie mense, met of sonder honde, fietsryers, selfs iemand wat sy rotsklim kuns beoefen. Oor naweke word voertuie daar geparkeer, dikwels Kaapstad registrasie nommers. Om my was drie motors van Kaapstad geparkeer, so as hul naas my, by drie ander voertuie ingebreek het, was hul almal besoekers aan ons vallei. Dis nie goed vir ons beeld as toeriste aantreklike dorpie nie. Ek vermoed die misdadigers is redelik bekend onder die wetlike gesag; waarskynlik ook tikverwant. Hoekom geen optrede of ingryping nie?

Ek kan maar net noem dat ek baie positief was om vanjaar voluit te oefen, in ons kategorie van hardloop “trail running”, kan ons nou oorsee as SA span gaan meeding. In my ouderdomsgroep sou ek redelik kon presteer. Maar ongelukkig ontneem my dorp my van die geleentheid om myself fiks en gesond en kompeterend te hou. Ek is gedoem tot touspring op my stoep of om ure op ‘n “treadmill” in die veilige gymnasium te gaan oefen, terwyl die berge en natuur so mooi is daar buite.

Oplossing? Om die Bergrivierdam gebied as deel van natuurbewaring te bestuur – met sekuriteit. Jonkershoek is ‘n goeie voorbeeld. Of gaan ons maar net toelaat dat wetteloosheid bly gedy in ons land en nou ook in ons dorp?

Jacoline Haasbroek

Dear ReadersI’m regularly shocked by the pitiable quality of

writing that fills in my inbox. Two weeks ago the almost unthinkable happened: My inbox contained evidence that I’m not alone in my dismay at the quality of writing today.

What follows is a shortened version of an email I received from digital marketing agency SHIFTONE. (You’ll find the full version at http://shiftone.co.za/confessions-grammar-nazi/)

Humming a jolly tune, I absentmindedly scanned the stream of dull life events that made up my Facebook newsfeed, when my eye caught an obnoxious little phrase…

“Justin Bieber is SO much cooler then One Direction! LOOOOOL!”

Believe it or not, it wasn’t the downright absurdity of that statement that got my blood boiling. It wasn’t even the fact that “LOOOOOL!” in expanded form is, in fact, “Laugh Out Out Out Out Out Loud!” What got my knickers in a twist was the act of blatant injustice inflicted upon an innocent little word caught in the wrong place at the wrong time:

Then. THEN???I froze. My left eye and the corner of my mouth began

to twitch in perfect unison. I think I may have even begun to froth at the mouth.

In that moment, I’m not sure if the maniacal laughter that accompanied my nervous breakdown was the result of the horrendous grammatical offence displayed on my screen, or if it was simply a preferable alternative to lying in the corner in the foetal position, humming a Justin Bieber tune while sucking my thumb.

I consider myself to be a pretty chilled individual. But if there was ever a reason for me to consider punching someone in the face with a chair and not feel bad, it would be this: poor grammar.

The life of a Grammar-Nazi is a lonely one. I can’t shake the feeling that champions of the correctly-placed

apostrophe have been placed into a social category similar to that of lepers.

One look at your average person’s Facebook page is enough to indicate that we are surrounded by people who wouldn’t know proper grammar even if it donned a leopard-print thong and sang karaoke.

“But dis iz da way I xpress mself!”Oh, for the love of pink unicorns…Can somebody PLEASE hand this kid a book –

preferably something devoid of any “likes”, “duhs”, FMLs” and other horrendous abominations of the English language.

When I was little, my mother forced me to march on the kitchen table while I practiced my spelling. Some call it extreme. I call it innovative. Either way, I now know the difference between “to”, “too” and “two”, “their”, “there” and “they’re”, and my personal favourite: “than” and “then”.

So…yes. I’m a self-confessed Grammar Nazi. Hey, we all have our issues. I fight for good grammar. A comma cause. (See what I did there?). I commit myself to the deliverance of the displaced apostrophe, justice for the jaded comma, and the integrity of the tenses!

LOL.Kelly BognarKelly, you made my day, week and probably

month too. It’s not over yet, so it’s too early to say conclusively.

As for my personal favourite among all the grammar sins: It’s TVs, not TV’s. Duh!!

Before anybody dare say grammar isn’t important, here’s a case where grammar made all the difference.

A panda walks into a café. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.

“Why?” asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.

“I’m a panda,” he says, at the door. “Look it up.”The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough,

finds an explanation.“Panda. Large black and white bear-like mammal,

native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.” If you don’t get the punchline I’d suggest never

subjecting anybody to your writing. It would be rude.

Until next month

Deadlines - April 2015 Issue Ad Bookings: 17 March 2015 Artwork: 18 March 2015Editorial: 17 March 2015

[email protected]

Editor’s LetterSiegfried Schäfer


The New B-BBEE Codes of Good PracticeIn October 2013 a new scorecard was released to be

applied voluntarily until 30 April 2015. On 1 May 2015 it has been indicated that all current B-BBEE Legislation will cease to be applied and only the New Codes of Good Practice (COGP) and related (currently incomplete) sector charters will apply. This may usher in a period of uncertainty and adjustment for all business in SA and we recommend that clients obtain their certificates prior to 30 April 2015 in order to smooth the adjustment to the new transformational requirements.

CredibilityThe commonly known term for the credibility of a

B-BBEE Certificate is “accredited”, which implies that the certificate is issued by a firm that carries the necessary B-BBEE accreditation and also carries sufficient assurance to prove to all certificate users that the score represented, can be relied upon. B-BBEE accreditation can take the form of IRBA or SANAS accreditation. Accountant letters are permitted for Old COGP and sector EMEs but are not widely accepted by larger procurement departments or for tenders.

Certificate UsersThe factors involved in a B-BBEE Certificate, including

the credibility of the score, are variable depending on the use of the Certificate. For instance, a small supplier to a customer who is an EME will not need to prove their B-BBEE credentials to the small customer. This supplier will not seek to obtain a high credibility B-BBEE Certificate and will opt for the lowest cost route or none at all. However, a supplier to Eskom will need to prove B-BBEE Credentials and will face scrutiny of that B-BBEE Certificate by Eskom in evaluating its bid.

Preparation versus CertificationRegardless of whether an entity in South Africa seeks

to obtain a B-BBEE Certificate they would be wise to prepare themselves to obtain an acceptable B-BBEE score if required. Therefore we suggest to every client

to know what their score would be, even if they are not getting a certificate. For instance if an entity is exempt, but is growing fast and signing on large tenders then they need to consider the impact of a QSE scorecard (old and new COGP) on their business. Given the sudden high impact that B-BBEE conformance can have at unexpected times on any business, this would be the most prudent, low risk approach for even the smallest business.

ExemptionsCurrently the B-BBEE Industry and its underlying

legislation permits small enterprises, and in the case of new legislation, also medium black-owned enterprises to be exempt from a scoring process in order to prove their B-BBEE Score. Therefore legislation favours smaller enterprises by imposing lesser requirements on them. Until October 2013, small enterprises (EMEs) in all sectors could obtain a confirmation of their B-BBEE status from an Accounting officer or an Accredited B-BBEE firm. Many such measured entities have opted for an Accredited Certificate as Accountant’s Letters have a risk of being rejected by some procurement departments. Again as mentioned above, such small and black-owned medium enterprises, would be wise to be in a position to score well for B-BBEE were they to apply at least the QSE scorecard. This would be prudent business practice to prepare as best possible for a time when they may no longer benefit from an exemption.

“Codes of Good Practice & Sector Charters”There are currently no new codes for sectors. These are

still in process.The Codes of Good Practice (2007 or 2013) and Sector

Charters (various effective dates) are to provide the measurement basis for verification for various industries in SA. Such codes cannot be mixed in that an entity cannot be scored partly on one sector and partly on another. Only one framework can be used for an entity. You cannot be scored on COGP and Construction Codes at the same time. The same applies to the choice of either the Old Codes (2007) or New Codes (2013). Allowance has been made in the Old Codes and the Charters to accept certificates based on other Charters for the score under Preferential Procurement. No such provision has yet been made in the New Codes. Certificates and affidavits based on the New Codes can currently not be used in Procurement for scorecards under the Old Codes or Sectors. The New Codes of Good

Practice replace the Old Codes of Good Practice and outline major structural changes that will be required of the Sector Charters, once aligned, in order that all Codes/Charters will be equivalent in their measurement.

The Future of B-BBEEThe New Codes ushers in various new concepts:

• Increased EME and QSE thresholds along with relaxed requirements for exempt entities

• Changes in levels and penalties mean lower scores for all measured entities, all other things being equal

• Mandatory B-BBEE application in all Government economic activity, versus the previous codes being “taken into account as far as is reasonably possible”

• These new concepts will favour some in terms of B-BBEE Level and will make the achievement of a desired B-BBEE Level more difficult, but we believe that business can keep pace with transformation provided the following are well implemented:

• Effective tax and accounting solutions – empowering status (which replaces value adding status) relies on compliance for larger enterprises

• Effective measurement tools – companies will need to know exactly what they spend in all types of transformation in order to provide accurate information

• BEE Score measurement – know your score under the new COGP

• BEE Strategy – BEE is and will increasingly be a long term strategy that needs to be well implemented

• If you would like more info on BEE, Tax Shop can assist on all the above.

Financial MattersCelia McGuinness

Why Onion Cutting Conversations are Critical

In this technology-driven age we are beginning to lose the critical skills of conversation, debate, discussion and decorous decision-making. This is a very dangerous trend for a species that relies on thorough, accurate and transparent communication for its safety, survival and development.

I’m not downplaying the importance of technology and the simply astonishing benefits it has brought to humankind, but we do have to learn to synchronise those benefits with improving our communication skills.

Too often telling is confused with communication. Or sometimes even with just listening. Both of these attributes of communication are really important. But they are not the nub of excellent communication.

At the heart of excellent communication is the intent and ability to encourage the laying bare of everything relevant to the topic without the fear of it being used to one’s detriment. This is no easy task and one made so much more challenging, but also more beneficial, in a multicultural and diverse community!

One of the problems is that most of us are scared of taking these conversations ‘too far’. That is a real pity because it is only when you take it ‘too far’ that you really start to get to the heart of an issue. In the beginning most often everyone dances around the issue for fear of hurting someone’s feelings, or try to be excessively politically correct. These are self-defeating strategies and often end up taking us nowhere except to create heightened expectations and piles of frustration. Frequently no-one can explain what really happened and why the discussion failed.

It is not possible to harness the amazing creativity, ingenuity and innovativeness unless we go deep and go far!

Where does one begin?Firstly it is critical to create an atmosphere and

culture of trust. Unless this is in place it is almost impossible to imagine really successful onion-cutting conversations. Creating trust is not an event but the result of considerable effort and a determined

process of making it safe to say anything; indeed to welcome off-the-wall comments. Critical to this process is the golden rule of attacking the issue and not the person.

And then we begin to peel the onion. To peel an onion with a golden outer skin takes a bit of effort. The skin seems to stick to the onion as though it is loathe to allow you in beyond its protective layer. This is as it should be and an onion–cutting conversation follows the same process. It takes time to get through the protective layers that we all create to shield ourselves from hurt. But this is time very well spent. The more thoroughly this job is done the easier it is as you go deeper. The thicker the skin the more it hurts to peel it off!

Once this outer layer is off it is time to start talking about the deeper more intense and more important things.

It is a progressive process. You peel off the layers one by one. It is good to spend time at each layer. But taking time does not necessarily remove the pain associated with taking off a layer. However once the topic is fully exposed very often this very exposure acts like a watershed for the persons concerned. Often these matters have been buried deep and have been bitterly protected for years. Once they are out in the open the burden of protection is lifted and the pain ameliorated. I have seen it often. The relief is palpable.

Of course as we all know when you get into the heart of the onion this often causes tears to flow. It is the same with onion-cutting conversations. Some of the most amazing conversations of this type I have experienced are when individuals are given personal and positive feedback about who they are, what they have achieved and their impact on others. I have seen big powerful captains of industry in tears when they hear this kind of feedback.

This reaction, the associated long term impact and the appreciation of encouraging these deep conversations all have the ability to improve relationships, enhance trust and build highty cohesive teams. Teams that stay at the superficial level, teams that never bother to fully discover who the other team members really are and what motivates them, can never be comprehensively effective as a team.

Yes, cutting the onion deep does often bring on tears, but then it is not possible to derive the full benefit of the onion without doing so. Onion-cutting conversations are the same!

[email protected]

The JSE’s global playersAs I write, the deadline looms for Greece to reach

an agreement with the ECB on extending the current bailout loan which is subject to additional terms. Greece needs such an extension to avoid running out of money to service its debt and fund its social programs, especially given the government’s plans to relax fiscal targets and increase public spending. However, the Tsipras-led coalition has stressed it won’t accept an extension under the current bailout terms and has instead called for a bridge loan to give Greece more time to renegotiate a deal.

These events have an impact on South Africa, as Europe is our largest trading partner. If the unlikely happens and Greece defaults or leaves the Euro, our exporters would benefit from the Euro currency’s decline. But where does that leave South African stocks that are listed on the JSE? The stocks with offshore income that report in Rand will benefit from this move in the foreign exchange market.

I have decided to briefly mention a few stocks that participated in international mergers and acquisitions during 2014. As a result, these companies have diversified their income stream and increased the portion that is received from abroad. Regardless of the Rand’s movement, these are stocks to watch as they expand their global footprint while growing the company.

Woolworths Holdings acquired Australian department chain store David Jones last year for

R23.3 billion and increased its stake in Country Road to over 90% by buying out long-standing investment rival Solomon Lew. The acquisition of David Jones catapulted Woolworths Holdings into being the second largest department store operator in the Southern Hemisphere, after Brazil’s Lojas Americanas, giving it an edge in bringing fashion onto the shelves in the shortest amount of time.

Steinhoff International Holdings has been a phenomenal stock over the past 3 years, with its share price continuing the march upwards. The company participated in a R63 billion purchase of 93% of Brait’s Pepkor, which is already operating in Europe. Steinhoff will also be moving their primary listing to Frankfurt in a savvy move by CEO Markus Jooste to attain cheaper credit and base themselves closer to the area that will be concentrated on for expansion.

Bidvest Group Limited has acquired a 60 per cent interest in Italy’s Gruppo Dac S.p.A as well as a significant controlling stake in the UK’s PCL 24/7 Limited. The aggregate purchase consideration is approximately R1.7 billion and forms part of Bidvest’s strategic expansion plans in the foodservice industry. Chief Executive Officer, Brian Joffe, continues to make key offshore acquisitions which makes this stock one to watch.

The Spar Group is another retailer on the list, with corporate activity in Ireland during 2014. BWG Group, the Company's subsidiary in Ireland, has recently completed an acquisition of the trading business of ADM Londis for R305 million. Londis has around 200 stores located throughout Ireland and generates total annual sales of almost R2.6 billion.

This list is not exclusive as companies such as Sanlam and Old Mutual are also making moves abroad that are worth keeping an eye on.

Unit 4 / 79 Artisan Village, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690

Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 876 2591

Email: [email protected] Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl

www.susancharlesworth.co.za

Susan CharlesworthATTORNEY • NOTARY • CONVEYANCER

Areas of practice:Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law

Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships

Engineering & Construction Law

Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing

TAXINDIVIDUAL &CORPOR ATE

Email: [email protected] Phone: 021 876 2676 • Cell: 082 804 0764Shop 3, La Rue des Roses, 2 Main Road, Franschhoek

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Business LeadershipTony Frost

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WEEKEND SPECIAL: Driving Impressions – Abarth 500C esseesse

Having a glut of test cars to drive through isn’t always a good thing. They prevent me from enjoying our long-term test cars often enough, but then it also makes it more exciting when I do get round to them over the weekend.

I still get butterflies in my tummy when I step into the garage to greet my little red monster. Settling in with my hat on is less trouble than boarding a full-size Range Rover. Makes you think, doesn’t it? There’s also ample space inside – even for my bulk and a similarly lardy fellow alongside.

My heart races faster when I fire it up. Abarth settles into an elevated idle for a couple of seconds. Just like those big Merc AMGs do. Splendid!

Trundling down and out of the estate, esseesse gurgles and belches through its quad exhausts – echoing down from the faintly whirring turbocharger just like a production racer. Goodness gracious!

I turn toward the village and it rasps up to 4000rpm;

pops a bang into second and again to third, before I snick it up to fifth and idle through town. People stare – this 500 is unusual and rare and they notice that right away, nudging the person they’re walking with and gesticulating to the car. Everyone loves it!

Through the village I hook the left and climb on it, bursting onto the pass where Abarth 500C esseesse really comes into its own. Race-spec suspension, minimal weight, tiny proportions and that creamy 118kW blend to produce performance excruciating enough to live with a superbike as the rider struggles to turn it; put its power down.

At the top, the fellow on the ‘Blade turns back to take a proper look at this mysterious little monster. And asks where he can get one…

Driving back down in total contrast, esseesse is calm and friendly with oodles of torque to just trundle along in top gear pretty well all the time, roof down enjoying one of the prettiest sights in the world in surprising comfort and special style.

Twenty minutes later I’m back in town swanning along like a red bishop bird in mating season, slipping into a parking space impossible for anything else, my retorts to the inevitable questions ready to fire back. Strangers always ask about my Abarth; that’s the way it is. And I’m proud of it!

Catch Michele Lupini’s day job efforts in AutoWeek newspaper and Bakkie & Truck magazine on village bookshelves.

Tatler MotoringMichele Lupini


Let Me Be Frank With YouBy Richard FordPubl: Bloomsbury. 240 pages

Once again Richard Ford (who attended the FLF in 2008) ushers into our presence the gentle, thoughtful, self-reflective character Frank Bascombe whom we have met in three of his previous books, “The Sportswriter”, “Independence Day” and “The Lay of the Land.” In his previous lives Bascombe has encountered various aspects of the American experience: ageing sports stars who cannot come to terms with physical decay and loss of reputation, house buyers who stake their marriages on the choice of the right house, and terrorist violence that shatters the middle-class tranquility of a Jersey Shore village. Each of these situations gives Bascombe an opportunity to reflect on the ways that human beings search for connections and meaning in lives that are forever changing.

In the latest book the quite awful pun in the title also has a second meaning as the characters in the four interlinking stories try to hide their feelings and eventually are forced to be frank in their confrontations with the original Frank. From the one story to the next Bascombe is the involved spectator, outside of the people he deals with, yet sympathetically part of their predicament. As he says resignedly near the end of the book, “At some point you just need to leave the theatre so the next crowd can see the movie.”

The “movie” that we see in this book starts off on the Jersey Shore in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. In the centre of the picture is a devastated house, once owned by Bascombe. Arnie, the man to whom Bascombe sold the house is as devastated emotionally as the property is materially, and he tries

to communicate his loss to the former owner who, of course, knew the house in its former state.

The question that hangs in the air over all the stories, but especially poignantly in this first one is “How can I go on with my former life, having experienced this?” From the encounter with Arnie, Bascombe goes to his present safe, comfortable home and finds a middle-aged black woman waiting at the door. She apparently is a former occupant of the house. The title of this story “Everything Could Be Worse” becomes clearer as the woman tells him an unimaginably horrific story about her experiences in the house with a (literally) murderous husband. Again Bascombe ponders the question of what happens after the bad things have happened? Her terrible psychological pain is the equivalent of hurricane Sandy, and yet she seems to have survived and is able to relive the trauma

associated with the house. From this experience we move

to “The New Normal” in which Bascombe performs his monthly ritual of visiting his ex-wife Ann, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and stays in a scarily up-market nursing home, where all efforts are made to “rebrand ageing as a to-be-looked-forward-to phenomenon”. There is an ironic contrast between the squeaky-clean outer appearance of the institution with its “soulless vestibules and unbreathable fragrances” and the tumultuous inner lives of the inmates with all their sexual impulses and desires. The exchanges between Bascombe and his wife are a moving

reminder of their shared past.The last story “The Death of Others” logically

follows the progression of the theme of the audience moving out of the theatre. Eddie, an old, nearly forgotten friend, is dying. All the trappings of his now useless wealth are expressed in his over-equipped and over-decorated house. Bascombe, the old real estate agent, casts a cold eye over them and is confronted by a deathbed confession from Eddie. It is a trivial story, an insignificant misdemeanor in the context of imminent death. So the novel ends with a story of how not to die, rather than a story of how to live.

This book is to be savoured for the quiet voice of conscience and insight that Frank Bascombe uses to evaluate his life and, by implication, ours. .

Book ReviewCharlotte van Zyl

Franschhoekers ferried to the Fugard

At the beginning of February a theatre-loving group of Franschhoekers boarded their designated bus in the village and headed for the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town. They were keen to see David Kramer’s new musical Orpheus in Africa and fittingly toasted the occasion with Graham Beck Cap Classique and wines.

It was exciting seeing David Kramer for a chat in the foyer before the time. After the show everyone confessed to being enchanted by the beautiful voices of the cast and impressed by the innovative stage scenery. There was much amusement at the

translation of Ellie Rhee into Sarie Marais with the cast sporting American accents. A general view in the group was that the first half of the show outshone the second.

Edward Arendse drove the group safely home as they tucked into padkos to satisfy a developing hunger. There were a number of enthusiastic requests to arrange another outing to the Fugard Theatre to see the up-coming production of Cabaret.

If you would like to receive information on future outings, please send your name, email address and cell phone number to [email protected].

Big Screen Magic LIKE OUR PAGE ONVISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.minimaxcinema.co.za

Ticket prices: 3D - R60 2D - R403D glasses available at R10 each

Mondays & Tuesdays Special: Half Price

Subject to change without notice - We regret no complimentary tickets and vouchers are allowed during first week of any new release • TEL 021 872 0714/5 • New Street, Paarl

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FAST & FURIOUS 73 April 2015

Is die pos vir u aangebied of het u aansoek gedoen daarvoor?

Ek het aansoek gedoen vir die pos nadat die ‘cluster’ hoof, Brigadier Van Der Ross, my genader het om te vra of ek sou belangstel om die stasie bevelvoerder van Franschhoek polisiestasie te word. Ek beskou dit as ‘n groot uitdaging om die gemeenskap van Franschhoek saam met die lede te dien.

Watter poste het u voor hierdie een beklee?Voor ek na Franschhoek verplaas is, was ek vir

ongeveer 6 jaar die sigbare polisiëring koordineerder van Stellenbosch en voor dit het ek dieselfde pos in die Paarl beklee, ook vir ongeveer 6 jaar.

Die SAPD dra soms swaar aan sy naam en reputasie. Hoe voel u daaroor?

As gevolg van onregverdige afleidings word die SAPD partymaal baie negatief beskou. Die polisielede maak ook soms foute maar dit word uit verband geruk. Onthou hulle is mense wat onder moeilike omstandighede diens verrig en besluite moet neem.

Hoeveel voertuie en personeel is daar by die Franschhoek polisiestasie? Is dit genoeg?

Daar is 19 voertuie, maar dis ‘n ou vloot en die voertuie het hoë kilometers.

Die personeel is ‘n totaal van 40 lede, van wie 25 by sigbare polisiëring is. Daar is 6 speurders en 9 administratiewe beamptes. Die res van die lede vervul ‘n verskeidenheid van rolle soos bv hofdiens.

Is daar polisie sukses stories waaroor daar nie geskryf of gepraat word nie?

Beslis, daar word meer op negatiewe as positiewe stories gekonsentreer.

Hoe belangrik is die gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum en hoe is u verhouding met hulle?

Dit is baie belangrik aangesien dit die skakel is tussen die gemeenskap en die polisie. Die verhouding is tans baie goed.

Watter veranderings wil u by Franschhoek SAPD aanbring?

Ek wil graag die lede op ‘n positiewe vlak kry, beter dienslewering teweegbring, ‘n omgee kultuur skep, professionaliteit bevorder en erkennning gee aan lede vir goeie dienslewering.

Wat is die grootste uitdagings plaaslik?Om die beste moontlike diens te lewer aan die

gemeenskap van Franschhoek met die min lede wat Franschhoek tans het.

Wat sou u graag vir ons gemeenskap wou sê?Indien enige probleme of klagtes ontstaan, kontak die

SAPD asseblief onmiddelik sodat dit reggestel kan word en die nodige aandag kan kry. Ons oop-deur beleid is nie net vir klagtes nie, maar ook vir positiewe terugvoer.

Is dit nie moeilik om heeltyd met klagtes en misdaad te werk nie?

Dit kan moeilik wees, want ons het heeltyd te doen met die negatiewe sy van die lewe, moord, dood, ernstige motor ongelukke, bakleiery en mense wat nie in vrede met mekaar kan saam leef nie. Somtyds moet ons baie gruwelike dinge aanskou.

Wat doen u om na-ure te ontspan?Speel ‘n bietjie gholf, hou van fliek en om sosiaal

saam met vriende te verkeer alhoewel ek nie meer baie tyd daarvoor kry nie!

Kaptein Marais, stasie kommissaris by Franschhoek SAPD


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FRANSCHHOE K


Franschhoek Wildlife Artist to be Exhibited in US Museum

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in the United States has recently announced they will exhibit the work of a young Franschhoek artist, Nyika (Alex) Zinhanga. This prestigious museum has asked Zinhanga to display his wildlife drawings in one of their galleries in July 2006.

Zinhanga has been drawing since childhood but only recently has begun serious exploration into the world of wildlife art. His pencil drawings capture the essence of the creatures he portrays, with exquisite detail and likeness.

He has lived in Franschhoek since September 2001. Recently he had been employed at Grande Provence in the restaurant. The management at the wine estate recognized early on that Zinhanga demonstrated exceptional skill in his drawing and has been supportive of his artistic efforts.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It contains the world’s foremost collection of wildlife art and is the only museum of its kind in the world. The museum is visited by thousands of people yearly, with the peak season coinciding with the North American summer in July. It’s location at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park ensures that it attracts wildlife lovers from all over the world.

Zinhanga’s work can be seen locally at the Garden Gallery, Franschhoek.

A While AgoMarch 2006

Useful Numbers

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Mars and Venus have transited into this asterism and are creating a conjunction with Uranus, which can cause radical circumstances and dramatic actions that can harm your relationships. Meet yourself and your loved ones totally without judgment. To enter into an unpredictable situation and accept it openly is to flow with its energy.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Venus in Aries likes to fight for ‘rightness’ in a relationship. Remember that the other person is a channel for you, a catalyst that triggers you to open up to the love and compassion within. You don’t have to suffer continual chaos in order to grow. There is a part of God in all of us, start thinking from that point of view.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: Mercury - the heavenly messenger - will move into Pisces and he will be debilitated in that sign, creating confusion in conversation and pretentious promises. Read between the lines and take everything with a pinch of salt. Those who know, do not say, those who say, do not know.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: Emotions can create overwhelming tensions. Chaos demands to be recognized before allowing it to be converted into a new order. The universe works in perfect order and the challenges that come to you have a purpose in your life. The universe is trying to teach you something and you should look for its lesson.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: Jupiter is retrograding in this sign and creates opportunities for readjusting the mind and plans. Logical thinking cannot yield you any knowledge of the working world. All knowledge of reality starts from the experience and ends in it. Propositions arrived at by purely logical means are completely empty of reality.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: With Mercury in the opposite sign of Pisces and debilitated there, you can choose whether to let the situation be, or you

can challenge the imbalance with determination of the ego, which is the most difficult part of your free will. You are in existence to understand that your energies translate into feelings, thoughts and emotions.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: Venus in Aries is full of desires and often people attempt to live their lives backwards. They try to have more things or more money in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The reverse situations is actually the fact, that you must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: Your intense forceful nature and courageous and competitive thinking are the only ways to find out what it is you really want to do. Go ahead and do something, then from that moment you start to act and your intentions become clearer. Have the faith; it’s like the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Saturn in the sign of the centurion is like the old horse that has to pull the heavy wagon of responsibility. Make sure that the creature gets plenty of rest and take the journey slowly. Be gentle with yourself. If you are playing an opponent and you are also opposing yourself, you are going to be outnumbered.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: What would it be like if you lived each day, each moment as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a masterpiece unfolding, every action of every day becomes a precious part of that art taking form with every thought. What you love is a sign from your higher self of what you are to do.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: If you must begin, then go all the way, because if you begin and quit the unfinished business you have left behind, it will haunt you for all time. It’s like getting onto a train from which you cannot get off. The rich substance of the universe is yours to do with as you wish.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: Eliminate some bad habits from your life and do something, even if it makes you insecure. Carry out that action with complete attention and intensity, as if it were your last. The door of detachment will close that habit and bring the potential towards the door that says ‘freedom’.

For consultation please write to [email protected] or call 073 312 1265

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

3 MarchTalk and visual on 700 mile walk around Wales by Liz AtkinsFundraiser for Franschhoek Hospice. Venue: Hospice House. Time: 18h30. Cost: R50pp includes glass of wine. Tickets: Franschhoek Hospice

7 MarchVeuve Clicquot Masters PoloFinal of Veuve Cliquot Polo Tournament. Venue: Val de Vie Estate. Cost: R150 – R3500 pp. Time: 14h00. Tickets: Computicket

8 MarchGerald Clark concertGerald Clark performs in aid of SPCA. Venue: Café des Arts. Time: 12h30. Cost: R100 pp, excl. lunch. Reservations: 021 876 2952

13 MarchHospice Bridge DriveVenue: Domaine des Anges clubhouse. Time: 09h00 for 09h30. Cost: R180 per person. Reservations: 082 454 9102 (Lyn)

14 MarchFranschhoek Club Potjiekos CompetitionTime to cook up a storm & show the village who’s the best potjie chef. Venue: NG Church grounds. Time: From 13h00. Cost: R150 per person. Tickets: Available from Jannie at Fhk Motors

21 MarchATKV-OesfeesA celebration of Cape culture and the harvevest. Venue: Solms Delta. Time: 09h00 to 20h00. Cost: R120 pp. Tickets: www.plankton.mobi

28 MarchMax Mara @ Grande ProvenceMax Mara showcases its 2015 winter collection. Price includes

glass of MCC & canapés. Venue: Grande Provence Sculpture Garden. Time: 11h00 – 15h00 Cost: R495 p.p. Reservations: 021 876 8600 or [email protected] (Sumarie Elliot)

28 MarchLa Motte Easter ConcertReadings by Johann Nel, accompaniment by Erik Dippenaar. Venue: La Motte Historical Cellar. Time: 19h00. Cost: R170 pp. Reservations: 021 876 8000 or [email protected] (Angela)

Mondays & ThursdaysIyengar-Style Yoga Classes at Artemis barn, 18h00-19h00. Friday morning 08h00 – 09h00. Ladies class (pre/post natal, menopausal, recuperative) Contact Danielle on 073 388 1404.

Tuesdays Alcoholics Anonymous Time 19h00. Venue: NG Church Consistory. Contact 021 867 0983 or 073 125 0188 (Jeffrey)

Backgammon Club MeetsAll welcome. Own board not required. Venue: Taki’s Place. Time: 19h00. Info: Graeme Oliver - graeme@ poachedrhino.org or 072 815 8209

Fridays Friday Night Live @ La Petite FermeA la carte dinner and live music al fresco style. Venue: La Petite Ferme. Time: 18h00 – 21h30. Cost: R50 cover charge Reservations: 021 876 3016

Saturdays Franschhoek Village MarketBreads, olives, ginger beer, pastries, plants, seedlings, breakfasts, coffee, crafts and more. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Grounds. Time: 09h00 – 14h00

Church ServicesNG Kerk Franschhoek Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens meer nie. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431.

Franschhoek Methodist Church Sunday service 09h00 – all welcome. Rev Nuno Vergueiro 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. Contact person: 021 876 2510 or 083 287 5756

Uniting Reformed ChurchSunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632All visitors most welcome. Shofar Christian Church08h30 English service. 10h00 Joint tea & coffee. 10h30 Afrikaans service. & 18h00 Evening service (last Sunday of every month)

Roman Catholic Church Mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church, Bagatelle Rd, Fhk. 073 488 6816

Trinity Church Anglican Communion Service Sundays 10h00. Weekday Communion with Prayers Wednesdays 10h00. All services at L’Ermitage Chapel. Fr Gavin Mitchell (083 799 0726) or Fr Michael Pedder (082 460 7833).

ST George’s Anglican Church Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Rector Fr Joe Humbles – 021 874 1120

New Apostolic Church Le Roux Weg, Franschhoek.Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt

Sport FHK Cycling Club Outrides Regular road ride on Saturdays to Stellenbosch and back followed by coffee. (MTBs also welcome). Venue: Meet at BP garage. Time: 07h00. Contact: Paul Barkley 083 302 9096

Franschhoek Tennis ClubSocial tennis is played at the Franschhoek Tennis Club on Fridays from 08h30 and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 09h00. During June, July and August starting times are 30 mins later. For more information contact 021 876 4184.

March Calendar

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Paul 083 444 3580 (SA) I +44 (0) 7760 197 385 (UK)[email protected]

OUR WINNING FORMULA

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Hard working

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+ VAT

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Key Location


FRANSCHHOEK’S BEST BUY

Featuring 6 well-sized bedrooms, all en-suite, (7 bathrooms), massive open plan lounge &

dining plus cosy inglenook, wood burner & library area. Wrap-around veranda leading to

inviting pool. Plus fully equipped self-contained cottage, loads of off street parking.

Call Pauline 083 380 9999 for exclusive viewing.

FRANSCHHOEK R4.849 MILLION

Key Location

Company reg # 2012/179958/07


Franschhoek R9.49 Million

Franschhoek P.O.A

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Paul 083 444 3580Pauline 083 380 9999UK +44 7760 197385

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF FRANSCHHOEK

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Accurate valuation is an indication of an estate agent's skill

“There is,” says Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group, “no aspect of an estate agent’s work which so clearly reveals the difference between the amateur and the truly competent, professional estate agent so clearly as the market pricing evaluation process.”

“In the 25 years that I have been associated with property,” said Clarke, “I have seen properties on which the market evaluations by different estate agents have varied as much as 20% — with both agents claiming that theirs is an accurate assessment.”

“The simple truth,” said Clarke “is that to value a property accurately requires training by an expert. Those who work on formulae or mathematical tables will in most cases be out of date, because inflation and interest in growth rates change not only year-by-year, but sometimes also month-by-month.”

“Similarly,” said Clarke, “those who rely on maths or statistics to arrive at their figures, will also usually be far off the mark.”

“The only sure way of getting the right figure is to compare like with like. This means comparing homes of the same size and quality in the area of the home being sold: the only true reflection of such homes’ values is the achieved sales price. If the agent starts looking at asking prices, he may well find that they are unrealistic – overpricing is in fact the bane of the good estate agent’s life, because it can, and too often does, lead to the client suspecting that the price his agent is suggesting is inaccurate or worse still, that

he is deliberately lowering the price to bring about a quick sale.”

“From time to time,” added Clarke, “it will become apparent that the certain quick-buck agents are deliberately overpricing to get mandates. This too,” said Clarke, “has led to many problems in the industry.”

“When four or five agents are fighting for a mandate, it is always tempting to the seller to accept the highest valuation. Before he does this, he should ask the agent to explain and justify how his price was arrived at. In other words, has the agent done a complete comparative market analysis?”

“When an agent overprices,” said Clarke, “he is likely, a few weeks later, to suggest lowering the price and when, as anticipated, this does lead to a sale, he will seldom admit that he has valued it wrongly. He will instead blame changes in the economy, new political developments or other factors. However, having arrived at the right price, he will probably still achieve the same sale commission, although in reality, he should in fact be penalised for wasting three or four months of the client’s time.”

Clarke added that a really good agent will often insist on a sole mandate – when this happens, the client can easily check up on the agent’s proficiency by asking for the names and telephone numbers of those he has recently dealt with. And this will usually give a very good indication of his ability.

www.rawson.co.za | 021 876 4579


INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUPThe Real Estate Leaders

REMAX.CO.ZA NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX


FranschhoekSales and residential Letting 021 876 [email protected]

www.pamgolding.co.za/franschhoek

OLD MEETS NEW IN DESIGNER CLASSIC R6.95 MILLION

A beautifully appointed and tastefully modernised classic Franschhoek home. The property creates excellent flow from the living and reception rooms to the outdoor entertainment areas that compliment a truly stunning totally private garden and sparkling good sized swimming pool. Exceptional proportions, character and chic throughout offering three bedrooms en-suite with a formal lounge, grand separate dining room, culinary stylish kitchen, two patio’s one with BBQ and Pizza oven, single garage, plus a separate utility room. This property will grab you as an excellent Franschhoek lifestyle investment.

Web Access FWI1209133Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Garages: 1

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 | JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

R4.8 MILLIONFAMILY DELIGHT IN PEACEFUL LOCATION Situated in a Cul-de-Sac in the famous Franschhoek Village, this lovely family home offers significant accommodation. The main house comprises of a large lounge area with separate kitchen and dining area, two bedrooms upstairs sharing a bathroom with the master bedroom en-suite downstairs. The house is conveniently interlinked with two very spacious bedrooms en-suite, kitchenette, upstairs office and studio/entertainment room. These two rooms and office space are ideal to accommodate an extended family or to generate rental income. The private garden has a swimming pool with lovely mountain views. A home that has a lot to offer in a good location.

Web Access FWI1209170Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Garages: 1

CHARACTER HOME IN EXCELLENT LOCATION R6.5 MILLIONThis lovely double story character filled thatch home is situated in the famous Cabriere Street in the heart of Franschhoek village. Two bedrooms en-suite as well as a large family room is situated at the top floor with lovely views from the balcony. The master bedroom en-suite, country kitchen and lounge with large open wood burning fire place are downstairs that leads onto the outdoor patio and beautiful mature garden irrigated by borehole water and a lovely swimming pool. The location of this property is sought after and adds to the value of this well priced property.

Web Access FWI1207236Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Off-street Parking: 3

LAUREL COTTAGE R3.595 MILLIONWell-appointed cottage just minutes from the village centre. Comprised of an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen with airconditioning and wood burning fireplace. Spacious study/TV lounge with additional storage and doors to garden. Upstairs is a charming 1-bedroom apartment with kitchenette, patio and separate entrance. Very pretty but easy-to-maintain garden with swimming pool and mature trees, creating shade and privacy. This cottage will make a lovely home or a perfect short- or longterm rental property and is a must to view.

Web Access FWI1198710Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Off-street Parking: 2

BIRDS EYE VIEW R1.35 MILLION Located in the secure La Petit Provence Estate with communal swimming pool and tennis court. This upstairs apartment comprises of an open plan kitchen, lounge with fireplace, and French doors which open onto the balcony with excellent mountain views. Two bedrooms, with built in cupboards, share a full bathroom. La Petite Provence is a few minutes from the Village and offers a perfect lock and leave or full time apartment. This apartment is being rented fully furnished. The content of the apartment is available to purchase at an additional consideration.

Web Access FWI1209796 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Parking: 2

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 | JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837 DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 | JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

SHELLY SCHOEMAN 083 301 8833 OR 021 876 2100 SHELLY SCHOEMAN 083 301 8833 OR 021 876 2100

franschhoek tatler - march 2015

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