franschhoek tatler - july 2015

PYDA diploma vir Franschhoeker

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It’s awards season

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V&A: Roger Cloete

Bladsy 14

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5 FRANSCHHOEK

Groendal gemeenskapsprojek

Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit se Departement Gemeenskapsdienste het vanaf 18 – 21 Mei etlike projekte in Groendal aangepak. Die doel van die projekte was om gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en -eienaarskap te bevorder. Die projekte het boomplantings, landskapering, die plant van kommunale kruie en groente tuine, opvoedkundige demonstrasies asook die uitdeel van vrugtebome aan inwoners ingesluit.

Die munisipaliteit het die hoop uitgespreek dat die gemeenskap nie net direk sal baat vind by die vergroeningsprojekte nie, maar ook sal leer oor die belangrikheid van ‘n skoon leefomgewing, die funksies van bome en ander sake van omgewings- en bewaringsbelang.

Een van die projekte het die aangesig van ‘n besonder lelike deel van La Provence- en Keeromstrate omtrent

verander. Die vuil, graffitibekrapte muur om die nuwe Franschhoek Vallei Gemeenskap Sportsentrum is geverf en aanplantings van geharde, inheemse bome en struike gemaak. Hierdie deel van die projek het deel gevorm van Burgemeester Conrad Sidego se “Mooiste straat, Lelikste straat” inisiatief om nuwe lewe in afgeleefde areas te blaas deur munisipale dienste daar te konsentreer.

Die Burgemeester het in sy toespraak by die geleentheid klem gelê op die noodsaaklikheid daarvan dat die inwoners van Keerom Straat verantwoordelikheid aanvaar vir dit wat aan hulle gegee is en gesê as hy oor ‘n maand terug kom om ‘n koppie tee te drink wil hy sien dat die area nog net so goed lyk as toe die werk gedoen is!

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve introduces new trails

Generous financial support to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve by the Winelands District Municipality and by the Roland & Leta Hill Trust has led to the development of four new hiking trails in the reserve, all-in-all adding around 7-8 km of new hiking trails to the more than 25 km of existing hiking trails.

One new trail has been in use since early June. Named the Winelands Trail, it branches off Lower Cats se Pad, going below and past the hairpin bend on the pass road, from there making its way up the slope to eventually reach the MRNR car park at

an elevation of 750 m. The new trail now makes it possible, for example, to do a circular walk (about 4 km) by combining the Winelands Trail with part of Cats se Pad, the walk starting and ending at the MRNR car park.

The Winelands Trail also opens the possibility for a new extreme trail run route, starting and ending in the village, and including Perdekop Peak (1575 m elevation) and DuToitskop Peak (1420 m elevation) – certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Continued on page 2...

‘n Groot groep inwoners het saamgekom om die opgradering van La Provencestraat mee te maakInvoegsel: La Provencestraat voor die opgradering

2 Franschhoek Tatler July 2015

...Continued fron Page 1Still in progress are: (1) the completion of the

pilot Manganese Trail that connects DuToitskop Peak to the Uitkyk Trail; (2) the construction of a new Valley View Trail, a short circular trail, that will branch off from the Vista trail at the viewpoint and loop back to the Breakfast Rock Trail; and (3) extensive upgrading of the existing Aalwynkop Trail and its expansion to a new circular trail.

During the past month phase 1 of a paved circular toposcope was also completed next to the MRNR service road; this paved surface, located close to the pass road, will provide a much-needed safe landing site for emergency helicopter use.

www.montrochellehiking.co.za

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Lavender Farm: legal wrangling continues It has been some time since this paper reported on the

illegal building of six guest cottages comprising ten guest suites at Lavande de Franschhoek on Verdun Road. The buildings are illegal because the land has not been rezoned for guest house use and building regulation approval had not been given when building began and a later approval was set aside by the Courts.

In May 2014 the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) confirmed the decision of the Cape Town High Court declaring that decisions made by Stellenbosch Municipality authorising the building of the cottages were invalid because it had not followed correct procedures. Stellenbosch Municipality was then legally obliged in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO) to take action to deal with the illegally built cottages and stop their continuing illegal use as guest cottages, which is now a criminal offence. Although it has so far failed to do so it has initiated a consultative process before deciding what it should do.

LitigationThe litigation which started in 2009 has been long

and complicated. The owner, Brashville Properties (Pty) Ltd, went ahead with the building although Mr Robert Maingard, its controlling director, was told that neighbours and others would apply to the High Court for an order setting aside the invalid authorisations.

After the SCA’s decision, Stellenbosch Municipality had three options. It could order “rectification” (i.e. demolition) or instruct Brashville to apply for a “departure” or for an order that it pay a “contravention levy” which would condone the illegal building and rezone the land for guest cottages. However, it was not until five months later (and after letters from Werksmans as attorneys for the neighbours) that Stellenbosch Municipality wrote to Brashville in October 2014 telling it that the guest cottages had been illegally built, their use for guests was “unlawful” and it was “instructed forthwith to cease to use the unlawful structures for any purpose.” That instruction was completely ignored and 8 months later Brashville continues to use the cottages for guests.

In the same letter Stellenbosch Municipality invited Brashville and Werksmans to make representations as to

which of the three options – rectification (i.e. demolition), departure or contravention levy - should be “selected by the Municipality”.

In their representations (24 pages) DHM, the attorneys for Brashville, presented evidence to support their argument that Province had found that the development was “desirable” in terms of LUPO and would have approved the rezoning but refused to do so to punish Brashville because it had built illegally. DHM said it was unlawful for Province to have refused approval for this reason. DHM also argued that an order for demolition would be too “draconian”, there had been “historic maladministration” by the municipality, delay in making the judicial review application (although this delay was condoned by both the High Court and the SCA) and the development complied with the Constitution in that it promoted “justifiable social and economic development”. Accordingly, DHM said, the municipality should require payment of a further contravention levy.

In their representations (comprising 72 pages) Werksmans pointed out that some of the cottages had been built below the 1:50 year flood line contrary to a condition laid down by the municipal engineering department, the building of the cottages and/or their use was illegal and/or criminal in terms of LUPO, the National Building and Regulations Standards Act, the National Environmental Management Act and the National Heritage Resources Act, they contravened relevant Provincial Guidelines and Circulars dealing with Rural Land Use and Management and Resort Developments intended to protect the heritage of the Cape Winelands and the rural environment as explained in detail in a previous letter. They concluded that in the circumstances an order for rectification was the only rational choice.

Expert opinionThe Franschhoek Valley Conservation Trust

(the Trust) also made detailed representations. It referred to reports which had been submitted to the Municipality by Professor Fabio Todeschini, co-author of the highly regarded Guidelines for Conservation

and Development for the Town and Valley, who was scathing in his criticisma of a report by a municipal official (relied on and frequently quoted by the municipality and province) that the development was “desirable and would in all probability not have a detrimental effect … if sufficient landscaping is implemented to screen the proposed structures from the surrounding properties and roads.” Todeschini observed that on this basis any kind of inappropriate development could be approved.

The Trust also quoted from Todeschini’s first report in which he pointed out that the area was part of "the acclaimed cultural landscape of the Franschhoek Valley … [and] the celebrated Cape Winelands Landscape already inscribed at the [UNESCO] World Heritage Centre of the tentative list of World Heritage Sites …”

In his second report Todeschini observed that, “The building massing on the site in question is truly unusual for the portions of the valley: it is massive, presenting itself from the west as a continuous wall-like row in a very urban-like typology, quite out of place in this very sensitive part of the Franschhoek Valley.”

Another contravention levyIn a letter dated 21 January 2015, Dupré Lombaard,

Municipal Director of Planning and Economic Development, informed the parties and I&APs that he had decided to instruct Brashville to apply for determination of a contravention levy in terms of LUPO. His “main” reasons “amongst others” were that the development “is not undesirable”; that the Courts had not found the use to be undesirable but that due process had not been followed; and that as a contravention levy serves as a punishment it is therefore considered appropriate. He then asked for written submissions as to the amount of the contravention levy.

In their response, Werksmans described this decision as irrational and the reasons given for it as “generally vague and glib and reveal material errors of fact and law, let alone a patent failure to engage with the grounds on which our clients contend that a contravention levy is inappropriate in the circumstances.” They then detailed the factors to be considered in deciding the amount of the contravention levy and concluded that

it should be 100% of the construction costs having regard to Brashville’s unlawful conduct throughout and the income received while it had illegally used the six cottages.

In its submissions the Trust pointed out that as the instruction to Brashville to apply for a contravention levy did not comply with LUPO it had not effectively been given. It then estimated that Brashville’s profit during the period of illegal use was i.r.o R5m and concluded that if the contravention levy was less than this the illegal use “will have been cost effective”.

It is not known what submissions were made by DHM on behalf of Brashville.

PAIA and PAJA requestsIn April 2015, Werksmans submitted requests to

Stellenbosch Municipality for copies of the documents on which it relied in making its decision in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and, in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), for a statement of “adequate reasons . . . for your decision which should include those reasons omitted from your letter [of 21 January 2015 and which] address the arguments set out in our representations to you of 18 December 2014 and explain why these arguments were disregarded/rejected by you in arriving at your decision.”

On 7 May representatives of Werksmans and the Trust inspected the Municipality’s files and on the same day a request was made for copies of 8 emails pursuant to the PAIA request. Stellenbosch Municipality has now agreed to supply copies of he documents requested (except for one), but when the Tatler went to press there had not been a substantive response to the PAJA request. In terms of PAJA the municipality must respond to this request in 90 days – i.e. by 18 July 2015. If it fails to do so without good reason, in any proceedings for judicial review of the contravention levy decision, it will be presumed to have been taken without good reason in the absence of proof to the contrary.

Barry PhillipsStellenbosch Municipality indicated that a

comprehensive report on the matter is currently being prepared for Council and will serve before Council in August 2015. Ed.

PYDA diploma vir FranschhoekerJacques Johannis van

Franschhoek is een van 25 uitgesoekte studente wat in 2015 die PYDA (Pinotage Youth Development Academy) kursus suksesvol voltooi het. By die sertifikaat plegtigheid in die Stellenbosch Stadsaal was die premier van die Wes-Kaap, Me Helen Zille, die eregas en spreker. Ander gaste het die Stellenbosse burgemeester raadsheer Conrad Sidego en beskermhere van die PYDA, Reuben Riffel en Jan Boland Coetzee, ingesluit. Die PYDA program word deur Winetech onderskryf.

Die studente betree nou die wynindustrie en verwante sektore werksgereed, goed afgerond en met selfvertroue. Hulle is gereed om verandering na die industrie en hulle gemeenskappe te bring. Tydens hulle jaarlange kursus is hulle toegerus met tegniese vaardighede wat oor die hele industrie, van die wingerd tot by die proekamer, strek. Bykomend tot hierdie kennis was daar klem gelê op persoonlike ontwikkeling en die bou van selfvertoue ter voorbereiding vir diens in die wynbedryf.

Jacques het in 2013 matriek by Groendal Sekondêr geskryf en by ‘n groente onderneming gaan werk. Hy het ‘nog altyd van die natuur en wingerde gehou’ en aansoek gedoen vir die PYDA program. Daar het hy toe meer geleer as wat hy verwag het en sê hy is tans veel beter toegerus vir die lewe as

voorheen. Hy het ontdek dat hy van Shiraz hou en nogal ‘n goeie neus het. Die ondersteuning van die PYDA personeel se kant af was verbasend en het bygedra tot waardevolle self-ontwikkeling en akademiese sukses.

In die toekoms is daar die uitruilprogram in Frankryk waarvoor Jacques gekies is en moontlike studie by Elsenburg. Intussen het hy aansoek gedoen om in die kelder op ‘n Franschhoek plaas te werk. Met waardevolle opleiding en ‘n gesogte sertifikaat lyk die toekoms vir hom beslis belowend.

www.pyda.co.za | 021 882 9273

Crime, cameras and karma

This is a good news/bad news story about a theft, CCTV and a sweet ending.

Mean thieves lifted the SPCA donation box from Huguenot Fine Chocolates’ counter.

Little did they realise that the newly-installed CCTV security cameras recorded them.

The theft was soon discovered and the police were called.

Re-playing the footage the identity of the thieves was uncovered.

They were arrested. But the box and its contents were still missing…A generous donation from owners, Danver

Windvogel and Denver Adonis, rectified the problem.

The new box is securely chained.

Scenery along the new Winelands Trail

Danver Windvogel & Denver Adonis with the new donation box

Ntsiki Biyela, PYDA raadslid en wynmaker, Jacques Johannis en Gerard Martin, Uitvoerende Bestuurder van Winetech.

3Franschhoek TatlerJuly 2015

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

For reservations please contactT 021 876 8600 or

E [email protected]

Main Road Franschhoek PO Box 102 Franschhoek 7690

Western Cape South Africawww.grandeprovence.co.za

Join us for an evening of exquisite wine and superb cuisine at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate,

when we host our Wine and Dine Collaborations for 2015.

29 May 2015 : Pinot NoirGrande Provence, Oak Valley Estate, Newton Johnson and Creation

26 June 2015 : Cabernet Sauvignon

Grande Provence, Neil Ellis Wines, Thelema Mountain Vineyards and Spier

31 July 2015 : ShirazGrande Provence, Hartenberg Wine Estate, Eagles Nest Wines and Lammershoek

21 August 2015 : The Grande Provence Red

Grande Provence, Joostenberg, Warwick Wine Estate and Hermanuspietersfontein

25 September 2015 : White BlendsGrande Provence, De Morgenzon, Strandveld Vineyards and Tokara

23 October 2015 : Sauvignon BlancGrande Provence, D’Aria, Steenberg and Klein Constantia

GRANDE PROVENCEWINE AND DINE COLLABORATION

• 10% discount for a mixed case of 12 wines

• Accommodation at our superb Owners Cottage available.

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Montagne Farm conservation area registered

Montagne Farm, belonging to Graham and Paddy Howes, has been registered as a Voluntary Conservation Area by CapeNature after complying with all the relevant criteria.

An 81-hectare area of the farm – threatened habitat, which is not used for any farming activities – has regained its natural character. This area consists of 22 ha of Swartland Alluvium Fynbos which is classified as Critically Endangered, 38ha of Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos which is classified as Vulnerable and 21 ha of Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos which is classified as Critically Endangered.

It was not like this when the Howes bought Montagne Farm on the north-facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains in 1975. There were pine trees all over, growing from seeds blown onto the area. They set about eradicating these and other alien species from the area. A ‘hot’ fire 20 years later and another one after 11 more years fortuitously destroyed the alien vegetation and allowed the natural vegetation to establish itself again. Graham and his staff have not stopped saving nature; they continue to remove

alien vegetation across the farm while farming as environmentally friendly as possible.

Graham says his active interest in protecting the natural environment started years ago when he joined BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative). His commitment to the conservation of biodiversity led him to apply to the provincial Conservation Authority (CapeNature) for registration of a Voluntary Conservation Site at the beginning of the year. The high-lying area of his farm fits perfectly into the definition of “a selected portion of property that is voluntarily conserved and managed by its owner.” It borders the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and forms part of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve. According to CapeNature, “It contains ecological gradient processes which are intact adding to the importance of remaining fragments of biodiversity and will become increasingly important with the advent of climate change”.

Graham is thrilled that the registration has been granted, saying, “It’s a nice recognition from an organisation with whom I have a strong affinity.”

Franschhoek gemeenskap veroordeel aanval op Hugo egpaar

Vroeg in Junie was die Franschhoek gemeenskap geskok om te hoor dat Mnr. en Mev. Japie en Monica Hugo, jarelange inwoners van die dorp, weereens die slagoffers van inbrekers was. In die jongste voorval is Mev. Hugo so erg aangerand dat sy steke in haar bolip moes kry terwyl haar een oog ook ernstig beseer is. In ‘n vorige voorval is Mnr. Hugo ook aangerand.

Volgens ‘n bekende inwoner, Mnr. Gordon Pheiffer, was dit skokkend om te hoor wat met die Hugos “wat so na aan ons harte is en ook so baie tot die gemeenskap bygedra het” gebeur het.

Die jongste voorval het lede van die gemeenskap laat besluit om op te staan en te sê “Genoeg is genoeg!”. Op Jeugdag, 16 Junie, is ‘n byeenkoms gehou waartydens die gemeenskap hul ondersteuning aan die Hugos betoon het en hul spyt uitgespreek het oor wat gebeur het. Gemeenskaplede het hul waardering uitgespreek vir die Hugos se welwillendheid en bydrae tot die gemeenskap oor baie jare.

Die Hugos se dogter het intussen besluit om haar ouers in haar sorg en na ‘n veiliger plek te neem.

Die Hugo egpaar saam met ‘n groep besorgde gemeenskapslede


presented in association with “Les Vignerons de Franschhoek”

Vrede en Lust Estate Boet Erasmus 2011

La MotteCabernet Sauvignon 2011

Lust Bistro & Bakery’sPasture reared pork belly with soy and ginger, braised red cabbage & confit garlic pommes purée

Pierneef à La Motte’sWinter-warming Oxtail Pie

Dominant flavours of berry aromas, followed by pencil shavings and cedar on the nose. Layers of flavours with clean lines. A wonderful balance between the elegance of the wine and the ripeness of the fruit. Cellar Price: R175

Vrede en Lust Tel: 021 874 1611 Email: [email protected]

The wine reflects varietal aromas on the nose, with wild berries, tomato leaf, cedar, cinnamon spice, truffle and dark chocolate prominent. The heavy-bodied palate has a firm structure, but a fine tannin texture and pleasantly dry aftertaste. For enjoyment up to 2024. Cellar Price: R120

La Motte Tel: 021 876 8000 Email: [email protected]

IngredientsPork belly: Pork Belly 1kg; Peanut Oil 10ml; Salt 5g; Black pepper coarse 5g; Whole star anise x 3; Soy sauce 100ml; Water 100 ml; Brown sugar 80g; Ginger 1 knob thinly sliced. Braised Cabbage: ½ Red cabbage thinly sliced; 1 granny smith apple thinly sliced; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 whole star anise; peel of 1 orange; ½ red onion thinly sliced. Sauce for braised cabbage: Juice of one orange; Balsamic vinegar 165ml; Port 40ml; Red wine 100ml; Castor sugar 50g. Confit Garlic: Garlic 1 head; sunflower oilMethodFor the pork belly: Score fat of pork with knife. Rub the belly with peanut oil, salt and pepper. Bake at 240°C for 30 minutes until fat is crispy. Remove from oven and mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour over belly. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C for 2½ hours. Press immediately and cool overnight.

For the braised cabbage: Mix all the ingredients refrigerate overnight. The next day strain cabbage and reserve liquid. Sauté cabbage until dry. Mix the sauce ingredients together and add the strained liquid. Reduce sauce by half. Place cabbage and sauce together in a dish. Cover with foil. Place in 180° oven for 1½ hours, stirring every half hour. For the confit garlic: Place whole head of garlic on a square of foil and add a good lug of sunflower oil. Wrap and bake at 180° for 1½ hours. When cooled squeeze garlic out and mix with hot mash. To serve: Trim pork belly and cut into 4 portions. Heat up mash and braised cabbage and place pork belly on top. Use the sauce from the pork belly to pour over. Serves 4

Lust Bistro & Bakery’s

Tel: 021 874 8155 Email: [email protected]

Ingredients5kg oxtail; 2 bottles red wine; 200 ml dry sherry; 1 tsp whole Cloves; 1 tsp whole black pepper; 1 tsp whole all spice; 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 onions, peeled and chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 stick celery, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped; 15ml sunflower oil; 30g butter; 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley; 3 sprigs rosemary; 1 tsp salt; 5 L beef stock; Butter for greasing pie dish; 1 egg, beaten; 1 roll of ready rolled puff pastryMethod:Place the oxtail, wine, sherry and spices in a deep oven proof dish and add the chopped vegetables and fresh herbs.Marinade

overnight. The next morning remove the oxtail from the marinade, staring out the vegetables and herbs and reserving both the vegetables and liquid separately for later. Heat the sunflower oil in a large saucepan and add the butter, brown all the oxtail pieces and return to the deep oven proof dish used for marinating. Now add the strained vegetables and brown, add the liquid and simmer until reduced by half. Pour over the oxtail and top up with the 5L of beef stock. Cover the dish with a double layer of heavy duty foil and place in the oven to braise for 3 – 4 hours until meat falls from the boneOnce cooked, remove oxtail from the cooking

liquid, pick off all the meat from the bones. Reduce the cooking liquid by half, add the meat and season to taste, leave to cool. Brush a suitable size pie dish with butter, place the oxtail mixture into the dish, roll out your pastry and trim the edges to fit your pie dish, cover the filling with the pastry and crimp the edges with a fork. Make two holes in the pastry to allow steam to escape, Heat the oven to 220 degrees, brush with beaten egg and bake until golden brown, 30 – 45 minServes 8-10Pierneef à La Motte Tel: 021 876 8000 Email: [email protected]

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

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

Office before end July 2015 or be forfeited.

Who recently received a PYDA diploma?

Answer this easy question!

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

www.monneaux.co.za

MONNEAUX RESTAURANT

New Winter Menu NOW AVAILABLE


I’m just back from the UK and a few rather precious dinners where the guests ponder all evening over the possibility that things elsewhere in the world might also be going horribly wrong.

Dinner talk apart, I was introduced to some novel accompanying wines, which is always a pleasure, but the best ‘wine time’ is always spent at source. So, while in the Cambridge area I visited Chilford Hall Vineyards. Their axiom “Tread the Path from Grape to Glass” indicates that they offer vineyard and cellar tours as well as tastings. Their 9.5 ha vineyards are planted to 17 000 vines of nine different varieties.

They, like some other UK vineyards, lay claim to the advantages of sharing soils similar to that of Champagne in France. The main varieties of Muller Thurgau, Schonburger, Richensteiner and Dornfelder show how popular the German ‘cold climate’ grapes are in these parts. Let’s face it, the English climate leaves them little choice!

I tried a 2013 Muller Thurgau/Schonburger blend at 11% Alc. Almost pure white in colour, it was as expected, tart and crispily dry with very little

fruit. Their 2013 ‘Blush’ blend of Muller Thurgau, Schonburger and some Dornfelder to provide the red element was equally pale with only a hint of salmon, or partridge eye, or onion skin, or whatever. At 10% Alc this to me was a wine to quaff with cucumber sandwiches. However, I am sure that there is a local cheese that will do it more justice. It won a Silver Medal at the UKVA English and Welsh Wine of the Year competition. I am not in a position to offer comment on their challenges, but it is always nice to know that at least someone else likes it.

Once again we, or rather the Brits, have to thank monastic orders for establishing their vineyards in the middle ages. Their popularity was compromised when the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine provided the good King with what is now Bordeaux in France. This introduced a liking for Claret, the iconic Bordeaux blend, which the English still regards as a ‘crutch’ wine in emergencies, and in other selected instances.

Back at Chilford Hall one can enjoy a tour and tasting for R270 and afternoon tea and tasting (an added tannic temptation?) at R420. A tour and tasting experience, which includes a set lunch and take-away bottle of wine, goes for R1 400 for two. Happily they do not earn Rands there…

This was not my first visit to this very pleasant wine destination, nor will it be my last. With the recent plantings of English vines now old enough to provide quality fruit, I am keen to see if their Dornfelder is capable of raising the blush a bit.

Cellar ChatMark Tanner

South African Golf Hall of FameLast month I attended the opening of the Mercedes-

Benz Golf Hall of Fame at the V&A Waterfront.. The original idea came from Harry Brews, one of

the famous golfing Brews Brothers, and has come about by the dedication and remarkable tenacity of Barry Cohen who has practically singlehandedly been the driving force to make this worthwhile venture come to fruition.

The opening saw Gary Player assisted by Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille and Sally Little open the magnificent museum before 150 excited champion golfers, heads of golf bodies and captains of industry.

The venue houses photographs dating from the late 1800s on a variety of themes: the history of black golf and the parallel TPA Tour results in South Africa, South African Open, amateur winners,

amazing trivia, international victories, women and junior golf, major winners and so much more. This is a very ‘touchy-feely’ museum with a huge display of golf clubs dating from as early as 1850, the first golf balls, Sunday clubs, scrappers, odd clubs, and many trophies, including Louis Oosthuizen's British Open trophy, the Canada Cup won by Harold Henning and Gary Player, numerous trophies from Sally Little, Harold Henning, Mark McNulty, Cobie le Grange, Reg Taylor and others.

The Hall of Fame includes all those inducted since 2009 and among this year’s inductees were Fulton Allem, John Fourie and Lewis Chitengwa. At the evening gala dinner, Sol Kerzner, the recipient of the Harry Brews Award, gave an inspiring speech followed by enthralling stories by Hugh Baiocchi, Denis Hutchison, Dales Hayes, Johann Rupert and Sally Little and punctuated by the legendary Gary Player.

The rationale for the Hall of Fame was explained by Barry Cohen, “It is simply a walk down the historical timeline from when golf commenced in the 1880s in South Africa. The museum inspires the youth, attracts tourism, helps raise funds for charitable purposes, records and retains the rich heritage of Southern

African golf, and consolidates the memorabilia.” Even non-golfers should visit, as the venue

entertains, captivates and educates while showing just how successful golf has been in Southern Africa. Fortunately the wonderful game continues to grow in an all-encompassing way these days.

On and Off CourseLawrence Gould

The Sally Little display

Sol Kerzner and Gary Player

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Food, wine and… fillies?

In most people’s minds Val de Vie is synonymous with polo, estate living and… Ryk Neethling! Less well known is the fact that Val de Vie also produces some pretty fine Rhône-style wines and, yes, Ryk Neethling has something to do with that too. A few weeks ago the Tatler had the opportunity to sample the Val de Vie wines paired with fare from The Polo Club restaurant.

The sun was already setting as we arrived, so the expected panoramic view over the polo field towards the Wemmershoek Mountains was not to be enjoyed on this occasion. The elegantly monochrome interior of the club house and restaurant, replete with high vaulted ceilings and a huge fireplace, however satisfied our eyes’ curiosity for something new. After a glass of Val de Vie MCC in front of the fire it was time to sit down for the more serious side of the evening.

First up was “Honey roasted pear, bocconcini, Parma ham and baby leaves with light citrus dressing and pear crisps.” This was paired with the GVC white blend (Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Clairette Blanche). It is the only white in the Val de Vie line-up, but even if it weren’t it would still be my favourite! It is a food wine par excellence with rich summer fruit flavours, respectfully light wooding and a long aftertaste.

Second to be served was the Val de Vie Shiraz. This was paired with “Shredded lamb ravioli with blue cheese cream, pommes frites and herb oil.” I was worried that this super-rich dish might need a Stellenbosch Cab or the like, but was pleasantly surprised that the Shiraz held its own. The dark purple wine with its notes of white chocolate and cloves is a blend of regional components and beautifully balanced.

Next up was “Vanilla and raspberry salad with lightly spiced clotted crème and a vanilla bean crisp.” Surprisingly another red was paired with dessert and it wasn’t a Pinot Noir… The Val de Vie Ryk Neethling is a medium bodied Shiraz-based blend with dollops of Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsaut and Grenache. I doubt that I’d have thought up this pairing, but credit to those who did as it did work! I put it down to the well-integrated tannins that didn’t do battle with the acidity of the raspberries.

After dessert, I thought the surprises were over. That was until the “Gorgonzola crème brûlée with Melba-style toast and grape preserve” arrived. Like all that went before this course it was simply, but elegantly, presented and was very good for what it was. The problem was entirely mine – I prefer my crème brûlée (and ice-cream, for that matter) sweet rather than savoury. Fortunately for me it was served with my favourite among the Val de Vie reds, the 1783. This 5-way Mourvèdre-led blend (with Shiraz, Grenache Noir, Carignan and Cinsaut) was soft, dark and luscious with dark fruit and spice flavours – a well-balanced and elegant gem in my book.

All told an impressive food and wine showing, even though I didn’t get to have my way with the filly whose acquaintance I hoped to make. That’s the Filly Rosé in pocket friendly Polo Club range – 100% Pinotage and a great summer wine from what I hear.

Val de Vie wines can be tasted and purchased at the Polo Club restaurant on the estate or ordered online.

Editorwww.valdevie.co.za | 021 863 6100

Val de Vie’s Polo Club restaurant looks out onto the polo field

Explore the tastes of Boschendal Boschendal Estate is offering a casual winter dinner

programme of ‘No menu, one dish meals’ which gives guests the chance to visit different venues for an evening meal over the course of several days. The dinner programme runs from July to September.

Executive chef Christiaan Campbell, who is spearheading the renewal of Boschendal’s dining experiences, focusses on providing flavourful and nourishing food that is even more warming and comforting during the colder months.

On Mondays it is homemade pasta in the deli, Tuesdays see the bakery team showing off their pizza making skills, and on Wednesday night guests sit down to a filling winter casserole in the new Werf Restaurant. Thursday night is special with a traditional dish in the historic manor house’s kitchen. The cost for Monday to Thursday is R95 for the main course, excluding service fee and beverages.

On Friday and Saturday nights guests are back in The Werf Restaurant for the a-la-carte menu which features farm produce and the estate’s own grass-fed Angus beef. Christiaan’s menu changes regularly to reflect what is seasonal and available from the gardens.

Guests staying over on the Farm get preferential

treatment when booking, but locals and other visitors are welcome, depending on availability.

[email protected] | 021 870 4274

Executive chef Christiaan Campbell

It’s wine awards season!

Old Mutual Trophy Wine ShowThe winners of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine

Show were announced on 27 May 2015. Some Franschhoek wineries got in on the action. They are:

Gold Medal Winner:• La Motte Pierneef Collection Syrah Viognier

2013• Silver Medal Winners:• Anthonij Rupert Wines L’Ormarins Brut Rosé

2012• Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape of Good Hope

Laing Semillon 2013• Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape of Good Hope

Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2014• La Motte Pierneef Collection Sauvignon Blanc

20141• Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection Chenin

Blanc 2014• Vrede en Lust Kogelberg Chenin Blanc 2013Shiraz SA Wine ChallengeShortly on the heels of the Old Mutual Trophy

Wine Show came the results of the third annual Shiraz SA Wine Challenge.

Unlike most wine competitions where there’s one winner, this competition has 12 winners (and another four in the Shiraz blend category), making it quite attractive from a producer’s perspective. “There is a wide spectrum of styles to be found under South African Shiraz and it would be rather absurd to single out one wine as the best example produced from this noble cultivar” says Edmund Terblanche, chairman of Shiraz SA. “And it just makes more sense to market a package with 12 winning wines” he added.

Franschhoek had two wines among the Top 12 entries: the Bellingham Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2013 and La Vigne’s Single Vineyard Shiraz 2007.

Bellingham also gained a place among the Top 4 Shiraz blends with their Bernard Series Small Barrel SMV 2013.

La Vigne’s Single Vineyard Shiraz 2007 was the first Shiraz produced at La Vigne Estate and it won their winemaker, Ossie Sauerman, the Diners

Club Young Winemaker of the Year 2008 Award. Previously this wine was only sold in Norway, but 1800 bottles were laid down for an extended cellar maturation and these bottles are available for sale in SA through Franschhoek Wine & Clothing and Cybercellar.

Concours Mondial de BruxellesBoschendal, Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

and Plaisir de Merle flew the Franschhoek flag at the 2015 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles by earning five gold medals between them. The winning wines were: • Boschendal Classic Rachel’s Chenin Blanc 2014• Boschendal Pavillion Chenin Blanc 2014• Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Chenin Blanc 2014• Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Grand Vin 2012• Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2011The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is often

referred to as the United Nations of Wine. This year more than 8 000 wines from 45 countries were entered into the competition, which is judged by a panel of the world’s leading sommeliers, wine buyers, importers, journalists and wine writers.

Swedish gold for Boschendal BrutBoschendal Brut Cap Classique was awarded a Gold

Trophy at the Vinordic Wine Challenge in Stockholm.“Vinordic is one of the largest trade shows for

the food and beverage industry in northern Europe, attracting leaders from the catering, hotel and restaurant sectors, so winning the Gold Trophy is really important in terms of making the right kind of impression in these key Scandinavian export markets,” says Jacques Roux, Marketing Director Wine at DGB. “The results were also published in Allt om Vin, Sweden’s most respected and largest wine magazine with over 100 000 readers.”

The Boschendal Brut is a blend of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay. Winemaker Lizelle Gerber describes the Cap Classique as pale gold with a flourish of delicate bubbles and enticing lemon cream and almond biscotti, preceding a soft explosion of zesty lemon and orange peel.

The Boschendal Brut is available at selected wine retailers and at the cellar door.


Nail Salon

Shop 13, Place Vendome,Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690

T: 083 560 9997

Open from Tuesday - SaturdayOpening Times 9am - 5pm

La Bri Cab rated 90 pointsLa Bri’s Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 2012

was rated 90 points by The Christian Eedes Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2015. The winning wine in the tasting scored only 3 points more.

This year saw the fourth iteration of the annual Christian Eedes Cabernet Sauvignon Report. A total of 60 wines competed in the blind tasting, of which only 13 were rated 90 points or higher on the 100-point system. The judging panel was chaired by Christian Eedes, alongside Roland Peens and James Pietersen.

“Very well made in a modern idiom ...” is how the

panel described this bespoke wine from La Bri, which was the only Franschhoek Cabernet to make the cut.

The grapes for this wine were grown on the estate in Franschhoek and only 4200 bottles were made. The 2012 is the estate’s first bottling of this Limited Release since the 5-star 2009 vintage.

The wine was made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and matured for 24 months in French oak (56% new). It is full, but balanced, with luscious cassis fruit, bright acidity and lovely ripe tannins. It can be enjoyed now or cellared up to 2020.

www.labri.co.za | 021 876 2593


Tatler MotoringMichele Lupini

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

Future? Or fantasy?

Electric cars are slowly infiltrating our society. They long ago vied with piston power for the future, but the oligarchs stopped that. The world is however changing and there’s just too much environmental pressure to stop alternate propulsion progressing these days.

But how good are electric cars? You may have seen the BMW i3 we were driving around the village a few weeks ago – it attracted a lot of attention with its swanky square looks and sauna-like full-spec interior trim – all a wonderful breath of fresh air. It goes like stink too – 7.7 seconds to 100km/h is hot hatch territory – even if it peters out at over 150km/h. Still, that’s a worthy rival for piston power.

What about driving range? Well this one has a range extender – a compact 150cc generator to charge the battery on the run and extend the battery’s 100-odd km range to around 250km – or to the nearest plug or petrol station.

That 90km battery range is genuine. We went quite a bit further than that, it even gets to the city and back on a full charge and a little fuel. You don’t need the range extender if you live in the city – the wall plug is sufficient there.

It is cheap to run: We took a rapid 172km trip to Cape Town and back to find out – including a fair bit

of hobnobbing in the city and a brisk rush back over Helshoogte – which used most of the battery and 4.1 litres of fuel.

It takes 8 hours to recharge i3 in the garage and used 28 units on our home power meter at Eskom’s late night R1.22 rate – or R34.16. Now add that to those 4.1 litres unleaded at R54.53 and it cost R88.69 to travel a brisk 172km at 51c/km.

Had we driven the same trip in our Mini Cooper S at 8l/100km as it does, that R183 is almost double at R1.01/km. The i3’s 2.4l/100km works out to 65g/km CO2 emissions versus the Mini’s 192g/km and i3 will cost you R50 000 to run over 100 000km versus R100K to run that Mini.

There are downsides – like the i3’s R200k premium over the similar specification Mini‘s R397k, never mind the battery car’s still severe overall range and recharge limitations. And what happens to that battery once the car is done?

But factor in that the i3 will emit 6.5 tons of CO2 versus the Mini’s 19.2 tons over that distance and the penny starts to drop.

So is the electric car worth the premium? In some respects there is no doubt, but it’s not quite there yet overall. It’s getting there pretty quickly though…

BMW i3

Car parts: cheaper not always better

When booking a car in for a service or for repairs, few of us are prepared for the shock when we realise the cost of the replacement parts. Depending on what dealership or garage you take your car to, these costs can vary because different types of parts are used.

Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says it's important to know exactly what parts are being fitted to your vehicle for your own safety, the good running of your vehicle and for insurance purposes. He says there are three types of parts typically available to South Africans: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), non-OEM (generic parts) and pirate parts (parts manufactured with no quality control measures in place).

OEMs are usually available from your car dealership's service department and they're used as a direct replacement to the original part that was fitted on your car on the assembly line. Although these parts are more expensive, they usually come with a warranty and they are stringently tested for quality.

Non-OEMs or aftermarket parts are non-branded and in many cases they are as good, or even better, than the OEM counterpart. Some vehicle brands have even started to develop their own non-OEM lines as an additional income generator.

"Many warranties require consumers to use OEM parts and they would be voided if approved parts are not used," explains Mc Master. "But this is not always the case, so check with your insurance service provider if you want to use non-OEM parts." Additionally,

some non-OEM parts might not be a good physical fit for a specific vehicle, and using them could cause damage to your vehicle if fitted incorrectly. However, Mc Master points out that in most instances, the non-OEM parts offer good, affordable quality, making them favourable options for older models. "In fact, if it can be proven that the generic part is of the same quality as the OEM part, many insurance companies themselves ask repair shops to use these generic parts to lower costs."

Pirate parts are the 'cheap and nasty' offering and with these products there is no way of knowing what kind of quality you are getting. Some of these products are just as good as the OEM parts, but others are, frankly, extremely dangerous. They are cheaper because they cut corners and use poor quality materials and besides the potential damage to your vehicle, using these parts creates a very real physical risk.

If you receive a lower than expected quote, don't simply take it at face value, cautions Mc Master. "Pirate parts are usually an inferior-quality forgery and they are never a bargain, because the losses you may incur are invariably higher than the savings you think you will make." Not knowing what parts are being fitted to your vehicle could have expensive and dangerous consequences. "However, making an educated choice could save you money. Ask questions and understand what parts are available, the requirements of your vehicle warranty and how different parts impact your vehicle's safety and resale value," concludes Mc Master.


Meet the team and find out what a day in their lives can consist of

I have been asked by our committee to tell you a little about our team and so I am pleased to introduce to you ‘The SPCA Team’ here in Franschhoek.

My name is Lilly Joubert and I’m the Inspector and team leader. I joined our SPCA in 2002 as Trainee Inspector and was later promoted to Inspector. The second member of our team is Haneley Daniels who is a Trainee Inspector. Haneley used to run our SPCA shop in 2003 and then left to work for the police. She returned to us in 2013 and is now training to become an Inspector. Last, but in no way least, is ‘our’ Nathan Jacobs. Nathan, at the age of 11 years, started as a youth volunteer with our SPCA with his twin brother Nathaniel. Nathan was invited to join our team in 2010 and is currently in training to become a Field Worker and hopefully one day a Trainee Inspector.

Franschhoek SPCA is based at our clinic in La Provence Street Groendal. We are always popping in and out but are usually available from Monday to Friday 08h00 until 16h30 and then for emergencies from 16h30 until 08h00 the next day … and yes we do get call-outs late at night and sometimes in the early hours of the morning! From 14h30 on Friday until 08h00 on Monday and all public holidays we are also available on emergency duty. In essence we try to be available to help, and usually are, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Our weekly clinics are held in Groendal each Monday and Wednesday evening from 17h00 to 18h00 and often longer due to local animal needs. We also hold outside clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays in local townships to help those who cannot get to us.

Since the early days in 2002 our SPCA has grown dramatically and with the increase in population and changes in municipal boundaries our work has also dramatically increased. We often are called out to Stellenbosch, Villiersdorp, Grabouw, Pniël, Klapmuts and all areas in between, to help with complaints, cruelty and problems – in fact anywhere we are needed we try to help.

Due to the population increase in our immediate valley our mission, although still anti-cruelty, has been redirected to monitoring our own immediate area on a daily basis to try to help control the number of animal births, educate owners and generally help animals in distress. We achieve this through our street patrols. With the help of committee members and volunteers we try to work through our area every day.

This year we have already sterilised 250 animals from our immediate area. Most of those were sterilised free of charge, because as we all know people are having a tough time. Until more legal controls are put in place this will remain an urgent need and as long as funds are available we will treat this as a high priority. With this in mind our Chairperson has approached and presented to Stellenbosch Municipality for the past several years asking them to update their by-laws. Changes sought relate to the number of animals a family can keep on their property (dictated by the size of the property), compulsory sterilisation of animals at 6 months (unless you are a registered breeder), more effective prosecution for cruelty and much more. We are hoping that in the near future these requests will be successful because this will not only help the animals and our environment but also our SPCA to continue making a difference.

When doing street patrols our team often don’t see animals at first, because they are hidden away at the back of a property, but then on another day we will suddenly see what is often a horrific sight. It is hard to believe that owners can allow animals to suffer when help is only 5 minutes away. The dog in the photograph was in such bad condition and so much pain that we had no option but to humanely put him to sleep. A warning was issued to the owner and regular checks are carried out on her remaining animals.

Incidents such as the above often start when an animal gets mange. If treated immediately the problem can be solved, but if left unattended it can often be fatal. Treatment is not expensive – we dip dogs and powder cats at our clinic in the summer months for R1! We even take the smaller bath out and do field dipping and powdering. We also sell dipping liquid and can get tablets if it is simpler - especially when pets can’t be brought to our clinic. It is so easy, yet it seems so difficult for many animal owners!

We who work with these animals find it so frustrating… It is near impossible to believe some of the sights we see. Often, because an owner does not react immediately, we’re too late to help, which is so unnecessary and so sad. Keeping your pets healthy involves a few simple things: making sure they have access to fresh clean water every day, regularly get dipped or powdered, get their inoculations, have proper shelter from the hot sun and rain, and eat a healthy regular diet – which we subsidise through our weekly animal food sales at the clinic. All so easy to achieve!

We receive calls for many different reasons, not only for domestic pets, but also from farms, petting zoos and for incidents involving wildlife. Here are some examples: • a porcupine who got stuck in a pipe and was

carefully rescued, • a baby baboon separated from his mother and

then chased by screaming children was too terrified to move from a high tree and so, when rescue attempts failed, we waited until dark when the children had gone then left the baby to be rescued by the parents,

• sheep injured when a truck transporting them overturned

• injured birds,• snakes trying to get away from development,• abandoned donkeys and horses at a wine farm, and • a gardener who phoned to say he found an injured

squirrel in the middle of the road. Unfortunately it was too injured to help, but was humanely put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Currently we find a lot of people can’t afford to keep their pets and unfortunately most of these animals have to be humanely put to sleep. We then monitor these owners to make sure they do not get any more animals. This again emphasises the importance of updating our by-laws.

Our main activity is anti-cruelty and promoting responsible animal ownership and this is where we desperately need your support. If you would like to help we ask you to SPONSOR A LOCAL ANIMAL. For only R400 your sponsored animal will be sterilised, given an immune booster inoculation to help prevent disease, dewormed and dipped or powdered for one year.

If you would like to sponsor a local animal please call us on 083 745 5344 or 021 876 4808 or deposit the money directly in to our Franschhoek SPCA bank account (Nedbank, Account Number 1670019365, Reference ‘Sponsor and your surname’). You can make a huge difference to our local animals’ lives.

Another way to support us is through a My School card. This costs you absolutely nothing, all you have to do is complete a form get a card and then each time you shop at Woolworths, our local pharmacy and other participating outlets, swipe your card and My School will donate a percentage of your spend to our SPCA. We can deliver your form and card if you are interested in joining.

Get into the Bastille spirit!Get into the Bastille spirit by buying your French-

style accessories at Hospice House now and over the Bastille week-end at our stalls.

Berets R60, Scarves (newly redesigned) R60, Rosettes R15, Bow Ties R20

Purchase now to avoid disappointment!

DonationThe ladies from The Franschhoek Vallei

Bejaardesorgvereniging very generously donated R10 000 to Franschhoek Hospice. They enjoyed the rest of the morning participating in our day care craft followed by hearty delicious soup and other eats.

Thank you ladies once again for your donation.Fresh coat for Hospice HouseHospice House is looking resplendent in its

fresh coat of paint and we have Paul Silberman of Paintsmiths to thank. Paintsmiths donated all of the materials to Hospice to make this happen.

Thank you to all the wonderful people in our community!

The Probus Club is a local association of retired or semi-retired professional or business people, (or others who have had a measure of responsibility in any field of worthy endeavor), who are of good

character and are respected in their communities. The Club meets once a month, on the first

Monday, for fellowship and interesting talks. Come along and see what it’s all about. We meet at Café Bon Bon at 12h30 for 13h00. The joining fee is only R50, and the annual fee R100.

On 6 July our speaker is Helen Crawford who will speak about "Hijinks in the Orchestra" and promises to be a good laugh.

If you would like to join us please contact the secretary, Julie Mitchell, on 083 303 3335.

Probus ClubJulie Mitchell

Café Bon Bon het Fleur de Lis se ouer persone op 10 Junie lekker bederf met heerlike verversings by ‘n gesellige kaggelvuurtjie. Hulle alombekende hoenderhaan het ewe kordaat tussen die Fleur de Lis inwoners rondgestap het en hulle af en toe vermaak het deur luidkeels te kraai.

Almal was in ‘n jolige bui en van die ouer persone kon staaltjies vertel van toe hulle nog op skool was en by wat nou Café Bon Bon is gekuier het en naweke in die kafhok gedans het.

Fleur de Lis waardeer Café Bon Bon se gebaar opreg. Op ‘n winterige dag was dit net die regte "outing of a journey" soos Tannie Salome altyd sê.

Fleur de Lis NewsWilna van der Westhuizen

Hospice NewsColleen Douglas

ACVV Franschhoek het onlangs ‘n toekenning ontvang vanaf die Nasionale Loteryraad waarvoor ons in 2012 aansoek gedoen het. ACVV Franschhoek bestaan uit twee programme, naamlik Kinderbeskerming en Bejaardesorg. ‘n Aansoek vir befondsing was ingedien vir beide ACVV Kantoor (Kinderbeskerming) asook ACVV Fleur De Lis (Bejaardesorg) - elk met hul eie bedrae en motivering en dan gesamentlik aangestuur na die Loteryraad. Die Loteryraad het beslis dat hul hierdie jaar nie toekennings toestaan aan Bejaardesorg nie; dus is slegs die Kinderbeskermingsaansoek toegeken. Volgens die Loteryraad kan die toekenning nie verdeel word nie aangesien die bedrae aangevra vir Kinderbeskerming dan opgeblaas sou wees. Ons vertrou dit klaar enige misverstande/wanopvattings op.

ACVV Franschhoek recently received a grant from the National Lottery Board for which we applied in 2012. ACVV Franschhoek has two programmes namely Child Protection, and Elderly Care. An application for funding for both ACVV Office (Child Protection) as well as ACVV Fleur De Lis (Elderly Care) was sent. Each had its own amounts and motivation for the application and it was sent

jointly to the Lottery Board. The Lottery Board deemed that no grants will be allocated to Elderly Care this year; thus only the Child Protection application was granted. According to the Lottery Board the allocation cannot be shared as the monies applied for for Childcare Protection would then appear to have been inflated. We trust this will clear all up any misunderstandings/misconceptions.

ACVV Franschhoek wil graag die volgende persone (asook instansies) hartlik bedank vir hul bydrae tot die bevordering van kinderbeskerming deur donasies, dienste gelewer, en vele meer.

NGK Franschhoek en lede vir donasies van fondse en vir die sakkies vir kospakkies, asook die gebruik van die kombuis items; Bev Malan van Sotheby’s vir haar getroue bydrae asook vir haar insette in die reël van ons komende Pretloop op 21 November 2015; Podlashuk Trust vir hul maandelikse donasie; Lion’s Klub vir hul donasie in samewerking met Foliage; Checkers vir die koopbewyse; Pick ‘n Pay, Crisp, BP en Le Quartier Français vir donasie van voedsel vir die gemeenskap; Sacred Ground vir die brode; Lord’s Acre Gemeenskapsentrum vir die verspreiding van die kosse aan die gemeenskap; Ds van Rensburg vir die getroue donasie van hout vir ons kaggel; Huguenote Monument & Museum vir die bederf van ons Groendenne tannies en omies en laaste maar nie die minste – ons vrywilligers: Dalena Roux, Amelia Hoon, Marlecia Meyer, Elmarie Goosen en Christine Siebrits vir die gereelde afhaal van die kosse!

Onward and upward until next timeVoorwaarts en opwaarts tot volgende keer

ACVV NewsRonelle Pinard

SPCA NewsLilly Joubert

Choir leaders attend concert at US ConservatoriumOn Sunday 31 May, the choir leaders of the

Franschhoek Valley Transformation Charter’s Choir Training Programme attended a performance of the Stellenbosch University Choir in the Endler Hall of the conservatorium. This performance featured Brahms’ “Requiem Texts”.

The university choir was conducted by Martin Berger, Head of the Stellenbosch University’s Choral Academy, which is working, in partnership with The Charter, to train talented choir leaders in the valley. Attendance at this event provided the opportunity to expose our choir leaders to a world-class facility and to broaden their exposure to choral music. For some of the choir leaders this was their first time inside a facility like the conservatorium and Endler Hall and they were thrilled to be given a tour of the facility before the concert. They were able to see the training and rehearsal space of the university students and the music library as well as the actual performance space itself.

Jade Paige, centre in the photo, who is also the facilitator of the Choir Leaders Training Programme, led the tour. The choir leaders found the concert itself to be inspirational, as it provided them the opportunity to watch and listen to such a

high standard of singing and conducting. After the concert some of the singers and Dr. Berger were gracious enough to allow time to mingle and answer questions from the choir leaders. Contact numbers were exchanged and selfies taken!

The focus of the Choir Leaders Training Programme will shift during the winter holidays to instrumental instruction of violin, saxophone and piano. For more information on this programme please contact Jeremy Davids on 082 472 5156 or email [email protected]

Transformation CharterJeremy Davids

New fees at nature reserveAs from 1 July 2015 Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

hiking permit fees are R40.00 per adult for a day permit. A year permit, valid for 12 calendar months from date of purchase, is R200.00 per adult. Entry for school-going children under the supervision of an adult is free. The informative trail map and information pamphlet is available at R15.00 each.

Hiking permits can be purchased at the Franschhoek Tourism Info Office, Franschhoek Protea Hotel

and Huguenot Museum Shop. Permits can also be purchased on-line by visiting www.montrochellehiking.co.za. The guard house at the car park is manned most days of the week; permits can be purchased there when the guard, Patrick Mbola, is in attendance.

Dogs on leashes are allowed on one trail (and only one trail!), namely the Uitkyk Trail.

Always look after your personal safety while hiking. Do not hike alone. Always keep your permit with you.

Choir leaders hosted by US Choral Department

Teetyd by Café Bon Bon

All too often SPCA inspectors come across scenes like this


More to look forward to at this year’s Bastille Festival

11 & 12 July 2015Dust off your berets and dress up in your finest red,

white and blue for this year’s Franschhoek Bastille Festival, which takes place on 11 and 12 July.

Taking it up a notch, visitors can look forward to three exciting festival offerings.

On entering the village be sure to look out for the Franschhoek Bastille Festival Market @ BICCCS. Stock up on the finest artisanal produce from in and around the winelands, including homemade chocolates, olives, honey, cheese, artisanal breads, Franschhoek olive oil and so much more. Entry is free.

A little further along in the Town Hall is the Franschhoek Bastille Festival Food & Wine Hall, which is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends and family while the kids make use of the ample entertainment available to them. Sample the wines on offer or keep your appetite at bay with the delicious gourmet fare for sale. Entry is R120 per person, which includes a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be used on the day. Children under 18 enter for free.

Last, but by no means least, is the popular Franschhoek Bastille Festival Food & Wine Marquee,

situated at the Huguenot Monument – the perfect venue, with exquisite mountain backdrops and ample parking within walking distance. Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic feast with delicious fare from some of Franschhoek’s well-known restaurants. Internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Fréminot who hails from the Seychelles and has cooked for the President of the Seychelles, Ambassadors, Ministers and VIPs, will be treating your taste buds to traditional Creole cuisine. He will be visiting South Africa as part of a French cultural exchange. Keeping it French we’ll be pulling out all the stops, with a one-of-a-kind red, white and blue mini Eiffel Tower! A French-inspired photo booth and stilt walkers will add to the day’s excitement.

Entrance tickets to the Franschhoek Bastille Festival Food & Wine Marquee cost R200 per person, which includes a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be used on the day. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day.

Live entertainment will add extra flair and fun at all of these venues.

Pre-booking through www.webtickets.co.za is essential, as no more visitors will be admitted once the venues are full.

Displaying its finest French flair the town will be a hive of activities, which includes the popular Franschhoek Boules Tournament, the Delta Valley Entertainers as well as the Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition.

A favourite amongst visitors far and wide, the Franschhoek Bastille Festival scooped the Crowd Pleaser Award at the 2014 KLINK Awards – a consumer-driven, interactive wine tourism competition.

For more information visit www.franschhoekbastille.co.za or follow us on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA .

POO PROTESTDear Editor,Once again I have to write to you re the disgusting

habits that some of our “Franschhoekers” have of walking their dogs without the necessary manners or consideration to anyone else living in this beautiful town.

The latest habit is that people walking their dogs have now decided that the open properties in Van Wijk Street between Bordeaux and Daniël Hugo are the ideal spots to take your dog for a walk to poo!!!. The same goes for the park at the top of De Villiers Street and the dam in Reservoir Street. How disgusting!! How difficult is it to take a poo bag with

you when you walk your dog, or would you enjoy someone bringing their dog to your area to poo? Take your dog for a walk after it has done its business on your own property, after all, is someone forcing you to keep a dog? I think not, it is by choice alone that you keep an animal.

Please show some respect for others in the town and see that the town is kept “POO FREE”, seeing as you think the town is nice enough to take your dog for a walk. I will in future be asking you to show me your Poo Bag when I see you walking your dog in the street. If you do not have a poo bag I will be following you to your property and lodge a complaint with the Municipality.

A word of thanks to Stellenbosch Municipality who, on Monday 15 June, turned up to clean up the street (not the open properties) within 20 minutes after me lodging a complaint.

From a disgusted Alta Malherbe.

Dear ReadersI recently revisited what was, at the time at

least, billed as a very important document in our municipality. The document in question was the outcome of a process called a Participative Appraisal of Competitive Advantage (PACA) and was released in May 2014. The purpose of the process was to identify the main competitive advantages and disadvantages of the Stellenbosch economy and to identify prioritised initiatives that will form the plan of action for creating balanced and sustainable economic growth in the municipal area.

One of initiatives identified was the creation of a Tourism Development Framework to “Define guiding policy principles for tourism in the municipality.” I believe this to be a good idea, provided it is done in a way that addresses both the expected benefits and risks of tourism development. In my experience emphasis is usually placed on the former with little regard for the latter.

What are some of these risks that go along with badly planned or unplanned tourism development? • Build it and they will come, or not. E.g. Long

Beach, California, built a massive convention centre only to discover on completion that there was an international glut of convention centres. Stellenbosch Municipality built the Kayamandi Tourism Corridor before the 2010 Football World Cup. Let’s just say that for various reasons it did not succeed in what it was supposed to do and ratepayers are probably still paying for it!

• Building costly infrastructure to serve future tourists, who then don’t arrive. If anything we are still grappling with infrastructure backlogs in Stellenbosch Municipality, so this is probably not a great threat. The threat is probably rather in the absence of

appropriate infrastructure, e.g. in the recent past Franschhoek ran out of water in peak tourist season and a by-pass would make the main road much more pleasant to tourists and residents alike.

• Benefits accrue to foreign entities rather than local entrepreneurs. Beggars can’t be choosers. International investment where most of the profit is repatriated is generally preferable to no investment. Fortunately societal pressure has started to tell resulting in local communities deriving more benefit from large investments through e.g. skills transfer, training and sometimes part-ownership.

• Adverse impacts on local communities. These can range from various types of pollution to traffic gridlock and from overdevelopment to social ills. Some of these should sound familiar to Franschhoek residents. Tourist coaches in residential areas, ATM scammers attracted by tourists, inappropriate structures built in sensitive areas, informal traders who are a law unto themselves, a shortage of parking, increased cost of living, drunken revellers…

• Investment in tourist areas rather than non-tourist locations. Franschhoek vs Groendal. Need I say more? In fairness one should make a distinction between public and private investment in this case. There certainly is public investment in Groendal and there are legitimate commercial reasons why there’s limited private investment there. There’s another side to this aspect though that is also evident in Franschhoek. Tourist-driven investment in parts of Franschhoek crowds out locals. How many accommodation units in the main road are inhabited by permanent residents vs tourists? Not many. What is the result? Outside tourism season, once the restaurants have closed, the main road is desolate, arguably creating fertile ground for criminals.

I do hope that the municipality’s Tourism Development Framework will address both the benefits and risks associated with tourism, if not, it’ll be a much diminished document.

Until next month

[email protected]

Editor’s LetterSiegfried Schäfer

FWV NewsJenny Prinsloo

FLF does it again

The 2015 FLF from 15 to 17 May was a resounding success. This year 8 venues were used for the 119 events. Midway through the festival ticket sales were 20% ahead of previous years.

Events ranging from discussions on economy and politics, to fiction and non-fiction and history to racism gave everyone something to talk about. Presenters were well chosen and well informed; some were studious and some were funny; then there were those who were hung-over the morning after convivial evening events. One of the writers, Thando Mgqolozana, stimulated energetic conversations at the festival and on social media when he controversially said that the festival was white and unnatural and that he would not attend again.

The winners of the South African Wine Writers Award were announced as Joanne Gibson and Angela Lloyd. High praise from the judges underlined the quality of the entries and piqued wine lovers’ interest.

The winner of the Spelling Bee for Franschhoek

Schools was Miche Fortuin from Groendal Primary in the English competition and Isabella Muller from Wes-Eind Primary in the Afrikaans competition. Second and third place in English went to Luciano Daniëls and Germaine Mountoud both from Wes Eind Primary and in Afrikaans to Jadene Marais from Wemmershoek Primary and Ivanca Meyer from Franschhoek High.

A regular event at the FLF is the announcement of the Sunday Times Literary Awards shortlist. On this year’s non-fiction shortlist are Jacob Dlamini, Mark Gevisser, Lindie Koorts, Maria Phalime and Jonny Steinberg. On the fiction shortlist are Imraan Coovadia, Masande Ntshanga, Damon Galgut, Elaine Proctor and Zoe Wicomb.

It was a wonderful weekend for local business and visitors alike -- just consider the fact that Terbedore Coffee Roasters sold 2 000 cups of coffee in the Town Hall and from their mobile unit!

DA soup kitchen challenges Franschhoek’s junior chefs

With the winter cold having settled in most of us relish the thought of wrapping up snugly in a blanket, enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire – perhaps with a glass of Franschhoek’s finest – and taking advantage of all the winter specials on offer at local eateries.

There is however a very different side to Franschhoek too. For the poor in our community winter means the absence of seasonal work, sheltering against the elements in cold and leaky shacks and little food to keep body and soul together.

This is where the Democratic Alliance’s soup kitchen in the Langrug informal settlement is trying to make a difference by providing at least one nourishing meal per week to the poorest of the poor. It’s a far cry from Franschhoek’s well-known restaurants, but the DA has come up with a plan to unite these two disparate worlds – the Franschhoek Junior Chefs DA Broth Challenge.

The challenge is for Franschhoek’s junior chefs (rather than head chefs) to conjure up a broth (or soup) recipe that can be served at the soup kitchen. In contrast to

what most chefs are used to budgets are slim, quantities large and facilities meagre. This is reflected in the judging criteria for the challenge: Nutritional value; Low cost; Volume – has to yield 100 portions; Taste; Ease of preparation with limited facilities

The challenge will be judged by three locals; Chris Erasmus (Head Chef at Foliage Restaurant), Karen Protheroe (Registered Nutritionist) and Minnie Petersen (DA Councillor & soup kitchen manager). Initial judging will be on the basis of recipes submitted. From these three finalists will be chosen who will then have to prepare their recipe for the judges to make their final verdict.

In addition to knowing they’ve done something good for their community the winners will also have their recipes featured in the Franschhoek Tatler.

Entries must be emailed to Elsa Post at [email protected] and reach her before 10 July 2015. The finalists will be informed by 22 July 2015 and must be ready to cook their recipe for the judges on Tuesday, 29 July 2015. Venue to be confirmed.

FLF Afrikaans Spelling Bee winners: Jadene Marais, Isabella Muller and Ivanca Meyer

FLF English Spelling Bee winners: Luciano Daniëls, Miche Fortuin and Germaine Mountoud

Deadlines - August 2015 Issue: Ad Bookings: 15 July 2015 Artwork: 17 July 2015 Editorial: 16 July 2015


Make your children money wiseThere is more to teaching children about money

that just giving them pocket money. Teaching your children to save and the value of money is one of the most important lessons for anyone to learn.

Lessons about money should start at a preschool age. As soon as children can count, introduce them to money. Take an active role because repetition and observing others are the two methods they learn by. Parents need to try and instil money management as more of an ingrained habit and attitude towards money, rather than just learning the facts about finance.

Gerald Mwandiambira, the acting CEO of the South African Savings Institute (SASI), gives some helpful tips to teach the future generations the value of money, and the importance of savings.

SavingGet a piggy bank. Or a jar—preferably one that's

transparent—so children can see the money adding up. You can draw a line to set a visual goal, and they can watch the coins stacking up. This is more meaningful for younger children who can't add or count that well, so they have some sense of moving toward that goal.

Take them to a bank to open their account. Yes, the actual brick-and-mortar bank branch! This helps youngsters understand where their money is going and introduces them to the concept of financial institutions.

Let them choose their own savings goals. It may sound like a good idea to have all of your child's savings go toward education, but little children can learn a lot from setting short-term goals that are fun and meaningful to them. The payoff shouldn’t be too far in the future and unattainable. When they are able to set goals, they grow up being able to save longer and better.

Consider savings and spending guidelines. Some families have children set aside a certain percentage of their money for savings. If you do so, make sure to give the children money in small bills—and ask their grandparents to do the same when giving cash gifts.

Model good spending and saving habits. Parents have the biggest influence on the way children save or spend. Examine your own spending habits: if you're telling children to be wise with money but are rushing out to buy the latest phone or trendy fashions, what message are you really sending?

SpendingShow them the money. Youngsters will understand

money better when they see actual bills and coins.

We have to remember that children today don't see cash and financial transactions, as we saw when we were growing up; we have to consciously make sure that children understand cash as the basis for learning more about money later. Even though their generation may not use cash, they need to see there is a tangible object. When giving children an allowance or income, give the money in denominations that encourages saving. For example if the amount is R50, give out five R10 notes and encourage at least one be set aside in savings.

Give them the experience of paying. If you're stopping for a snack after school or day care, give your child a few rands and let him make his own choices. He will quickly learn the difference in the value of a small bag of chips and a large one.

Teach the difference between want and need. Talk to them about how commercials and advertisements are designed to make them feel a need for the item they are selling.

Ask them: What's it worth? When children first get their own money, they're often tempted to waste it on cheap toys and 99-cent trinkets. It's okay to let them buy some cheap items, but also point out which of their playthings last longer or hold their interest better.

Compare prices with older children. If you are shopping for a new TV or computer, ask your child to help look at sales flyers or search for the best deal online. When eating out, she can help calculate the tip or figure out how much you should be receiving in change.

Let children learn from experience. That includes making poor decisions. Although it's painful to watch your child run out of money, the best lesson is where children start to learn the value of things and to make smart choices.

www.savingsinstitute.co.za

There are just too many of us!Think of any issue that afflicts our world at

the moment – poverty, inequity, water shortages, food security, education, crime, health care, over-urbanisation, traffic gridlock, climate change, land distribution, rhino poaching, inadequate housing, a volatile economy – and if you track back on any one or all of them you get back to the fact that there are just too many people in the world today.

Consider this: It took the world population until the early 1800s to reach the first billion people on the planet; it was only another 100 years before the second billion rolled up; and then we really started multiplying. By about 1970 we had reached 4 billion and there are now about 8 billion alive on earth. We are producing about 250 000 new souls every day! And now we face the prospect of trying to feed, clothe, accommodate and transport a population of 9 billion before we get half way through this century. This is simply unsustainable!

If all these people had to live like those in North America we would need 6 planets the size of ours to produce enough food and resources to cope with the current population! This is patently impossible.

The unfortunate result will probably mean more and more inequity as the rich can afford more than the poor. As the supply of food, water and other critical supplies we need for survival are less and less able to meet the burgeoning demand because of the rising population so prices will rise.

It is fascinating that so little attention is paid to this crisis. It is perhaps the greatest crisis facing humankind, probably even greater than climate change, which, arguably, is caused by over-population anyway.

Why is it that this issue receives so little attention?

Perhaps it is because for the politicians it is too sensitive an issue to tackle; perhaps we are simply just too selfish to be willing to limit the number of children we conceive to no more than two; perhaps we have not taken our adult role seriously enough and taught our own children about the dangers of too many children; perhaps

this is another area where our education system has failed us. Probably it is a combination of all of these.

Most of the established economies like Europe, the Americas, and most of Asia seem to understand the issue because in these dominions populations are plateauing and in some cases even beginning to show a small decline. The problem is in the areas that least can afford too many people – in the poor and emerging economies.

The challenge is not to identify this as an issue. It is already a BIG issue. The real challenge is what to do about it.

We cannot go for the one child policy once implemented by the grossly autocratic Chinese government. No-one would support that.

The first step in this debate is to start the conversation and then fuel it so that it becomes a brightly burning flame visible to all and most particularly to the poorest because they stand to gain the most. This debate must enjoy the active participation of politicians, religious leaders, educators and everyone else of social influence. There must be one aim: To lower the population growth rate. Consensus on the mechanics of achieving this is less important than agreement on reducing the number of people on the planet.

Population dynamics must be integral to Life Orientation skills in all schools from the earliest ages. Small families must become the new fashion rage!

Government should only give tax deductions for children up to two; and thereafter there should be tax penalties. Why, you may well ask? Because beyond two children we put the country and the planet at great risk.

Part of preparation for marriage should include comprehensive education about the dangers and costs associated with large families. Religious leaders should preach about this.

What will happen if we don’t do these things? The poor will get progressively poorer and then rapidly poorer; climate change will escalate at increasingly unmanageable rates; our children and our children’s children will suffer unfairly because we have managed to steal their future from them.

We need to think big, but think small. We need to be big-hearted and live simpler. We need to live in the present, but imagine the future. We need to accumulate less and live more generously.

We cannot continue to be the only species on this planet that only takes and gives nothing back to the planet that gives us everything we have in the first place.

[email protected]

Business LeadershipTony Frost

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

Accounting and B ookkeeping • T ax • P ayroll • Company Formation and Services • BEE Certification and Verification • Insurance & Investments • DTI Incentives • Foreign Exchange


And then the rain came. In injury time, but it did. Some years we get less than others, but one thing we can bet on is that it is going to rain in winter. Despite our harsh summers the surety of winter rains makes the Western Cape on of the most predictable areas in terms of climate in the country (some say the world). So far we have been spared the severe droughts that are plaguing other winter rainfall areas like California and can only hope that it will stay that way. Long term predictions are for an average winter season, but colder day temperatures are forecast.

Now that winter is here it is easy to fall into hibernation mode and let nature take its course in the garden. Unfortunately July is actually quite an important gardening month, mostly because it is pruning time. The art of pruning is often cloaked with a mysterious veil; almost as if it is something to only be learned from pruning yogis high up on some distant mountain. Fortunately for us less learned (and travelled) folk it is all based on common sense with very little mystery involved. I will try to give a few pointers here, but remember that plants want to grow and are usually very forgiving of even your worst mistakes. When pruning there are two concepts that need to be on your mind – renewal and stimulation. We want to stimulate the plant to flower, fruit or grow into what we want it to become by selecting the strongest branches and allowing for air flow and light to reach all parts of the plant. At the same time we want to renew it by cutting away old and diseased wood. I hardly “prune” my roses nowadays – it is more of a cutting back. The bush gets cut down to about knee height after which I remove all dead, damaged and funny looking stems down to the base. Then I will look at the overall shape – cut away a few crossing branches and leave it to form a cup shape, no matter how many branches that will take. That is it. Mulch with a thick layer of mulch and only start feeding when actively pushing new shoots in spring.

Pruning fruit trees can be somewhat more complicated because they bear their fruit differently. Again common sense should prevail, but here are some pointers. Apples and pears are spur bearers – fruiting on old wood. New shoots should therefore be cut back to about 5 shoots. Established trees

require little pruning – mostly thinning the spurs and cutting out old wood. Plums need little pruning except for the removal of suckers and diseased or damaged branches. Peaches and apricots bear on 1 or 2 year old wood, so require more vigorous pruning with most of the branches that have fruited removed down to some new growth.

Apart from all the pruning jobs the winter months are the best time to establish a proper compost pile. With all the leaves, cuttings and spent vegetable plants around there are no shortage of suitable composting materials. I am still a big believer in old-fashioned piles with alternating layers of green material, brown material, animal manure as well as a thin layer of clayey soil. All this get built up to about 1.5 meters and covered with cut grass or straw. Turning will speed up the process, but if you’re patient you will have proper compost in about 6 months anyway. Compost made in your own garden has no rivals – by using resident materials you brew up an enriched blend of minerals and nutrients seeded with locally adapted microbes and soil organisms. For most of us this will unfortunately still require the outside input of animal manure; all the more reason to at least consider the benefits of keeping a few chickens.

All of a sudden there is a virtual famine on the home produce front. Nothing in the veg garden but a few cabbages and salad leaves. At least I think I have figured out the whole sauerkraut process. And I’m cooking up some awesome soups and stews, but not much bottling going on.

Happy gardening. Stay warm.

Pensive Pansies and Vivacious ViolasAs the seasons change and the bounty of colour

and fragrance offered up by the summer months ebbs, why not top up on both by planting two winter blessings; pansies and violas. Don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance, these are hardy little plants that will survive the most bitter conditions and bloom throughout winter and well into spring. If you come out one morning to find them all frozen stiff from the wintery night before, never fear, they will defrost and be just as lovely as they were before.

Their names; pansy, viola and violet are interchangeable, though distinctions can be made by the plants’ size and petal formation. Pansies are the larger flower, having four petals pointing upwards and just one pointing down, sometimes referred to as the beard, whereas the viola has three reaching skyward and two down. The flower of a pansy is markedly larger than that of the viola, though what the viola lacks in size it certainly makes up for in number, providing many more blooms.

The name pansy, derived from the French word pensée, meaning “thought” is said to have “sad faces” more so at the end of the cycle when the flower begins to nod. The fact that viola means “modesty” in the flower kingdom is not really something one would attribute to them, apart from their size. They are anything but modest in their display, with a floriferous nature that has a spectacular colour range.

For best results plant your seedlings 20cm apart as the climate begins to cool. Pansies do not enjoy warm soil so be sure to mulch well to offset any spikes in temperature you may encounter. Both plants will do

well in sunny conditions or partial shade, Violas enjoy the shade more than their cousins so when bedding, act accordingly. Water well weekly, being careful not to wet their leaves, but rather the soil around them.

One of the advantages of having the season to yourself is that Pansies won’t have to compete with many other flowers for the attention of the few pollinating insects still in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately this applies to the not so welcome kids on the block. Aphids that try to dine out on your Pansies can be sorted out by using an insecticide that your local garden centre can suggest for you. Slugs and snails can easily be deterred by applying sand or loose bark to the mulch we’re using to keep our little friends’ feet cool.

Border fronts and beds would welcome the addition of some pansies and violas. Whether planted in containers or small groups among other flowers, they’re a delight your garden shouldn’t have to be without this winter. Violas are not the only ones that offer up a veritable treasure trove of colour options, pansies too have colour choices of yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, white, and even black (very dark purple).

www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Total Storage 50.3%

This Time Last Year61.6 - 100.6%

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

11

6

11

58

20

31

37

48

106

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 15 June 2015

Steenbras Upper

Steenbras Lower

Wemmershoek

Voëlvlei

Theewaterskloof

Berg River Dam

57.4%

51.8%

50.8%

38.4%

52.2%

56.3%

Gardening in July

Plant of the Month

Natie Ferreira Frankie Brooks

SALI Awards of ExcellenceThe South African Landscapers

Institute held its annual awards ceremony at the SAGIC Convention at Monkey Valley, Noordhoek, on Wednesday, 3 June. It is a SALI membership requirement that one enters at least one project every two years, and this must achieve one of the categories Merit, Bronze, Silver or Gold. In this way SALI encourages excellence among its members.

Franschhoek has many landscapers operating, installing, designing and maintaining gardens. Some of them are SALI members, but many are not. The SALI Awards of Excellence programme gives both members and potential clients a yardstick to use when quoting or deciding on the choice of landscaper. The client is also guaranteed a satisfactory outcome and a means of recourse if not satisfied.

At the recent SALI Awards of Excellence, landscapers associated with Franschhoek submitted a number of projects. The following awards were achieved:

GOLD: Landscape and Turf Maintenance:

GvH Landscapes for (a) House Dippenaar and (b) House Ross, both in Plettenberg Bay, Landscape Construction with In-house Design: GvH Landscapes for House Ross in Plettenberg Bay

Landscape Construction with Design by Others: Alan Dawson Gardens for House Renyolds in Cape Town

SILVER: Landscape and Turf Maintenance: GvH Landscapes

for House Brooke in HarkervilleLandscape Construction with In-house Design: Alan

Dawson Gardens for House Hobbs in Cape TownLandscape Construction with Design by Others:

Alan Dawson Gardens for House Coutts-Trotter in Cape Town

BRONZE: Landscape Construction with In-house Design: ML

Horticare for House Palmer/Mitchell in Franschhoek. www.sali.co.za Richard von Hoesslin

Graham von Hoesslin receiving the Gold SALI Award of Excellence for House Dippenaar from the National Judge, Fourie Pieterse (left) and

Doreen Aucamp (right), the SALI Chairman.

083 447 0797 • [email protected]

FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ONLife cover • Disability/Income

protection • Dread disease coverMedical Aids/Gap cover

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Baie geluk met jou prestasie. Wat was jou sterkpunte wat jou goed laat presteer het in die SKOP (senior kelderopleiding program) kursus?

Ek dink dit was my vermoë om goed te luister na die kursus aanbieder(s) en daardie inligting in my geheue te stoor, sodat ek dit weer kan gebruik as ek selfstudie toepas.Die goue reël is om gereeld vrae te vra, want dit verhoed dat jy met enige onderwerp worstel en laat jou beter verstaan.

Het jy al ander kursusse in wynmaak gedoen?Ja, ek het in 2013 ‘n leerlingskap in wynmaak voltooi

wat aangebied is deur SAWIT (South African Wine Industry Trust) op Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch.

Wat het jy tydens die opleiding oor jou self ontdek?

Dat ek ‘n passie het vir die wynmaak proses; skielik wou ek alles weet van wyn, van die “korrel tot die borrel”. Dit is ‘n nuuskierigheid wat ontwikkel het gedurende my werk en opleiding, ek begin self besluite maak in die kelder, ek deel my idees of voorstelle met my kollegas en die wynmaker.

Wat is jou sterkpunte in die kelder?Deur te dink voor ek ‘n taak verrig. Ek kan maklik

in die kelder beweeg: tussen vate, agter tenke, binne tenke ens. Stiptelikheid en sorg dat my werk altyd volledig en voltooid is.

Het jy gunsteling wit- en rooiwyne? Hoekom hou jy van hulle?

Wit - Chardonnay: Baie mense neem aan chardonnay pas goed by seekos, maar vir my werk dit ook goed saam vark tjops en hoender. Ek hou van die bekende chardonnay aromas: sitrus geure, lemmetjie, gesnyde groen gras.

Rooi - Carbernet Sauvignon: Cab se kenmerkende swartbessie, sigaardoos, leerjas-geure gaan goed saam met gebraaide vleis en ‘steaks’.

Wat is die uitdagingste tyd in die kelder?Een woord: Parstyd. Elke pars het sy eie uitdagings.

Vir my is dit ook ‘n opwindende tydperk waar ek so baie leer. Soms gaan dit maar rof met kelderwerkers in hierdie tyd, want dit gaan gepaard met lang ure en soms, in my geval, moet ek parstyd oorslaap sodat die werk gedoen kan word.

Jy is gekies vir ‘n uitruilprogram in Frankryk. Wat behels dit?

Ek is baie dankbaar vir hierdie wonderlike

geleentheid. Elke jaar word tot 10 persone in die wynbedryf gekies vir die Boergondië-uitruilprogram d.m.v. van ‘n aansoekproses wat by Elsenburg gedoen word. Dit behels eerstehandse ondervinding van wynmaak prosesse in die Boergondië streek waar ons by verskillende kelders geplaas sal word en daar werk. Ons doen ook verskillende kursusse in die streek Voor ons vertrek na Frankryk in September, sal ons eers ‘n voorbereidingskursus op Elsenburg doen. Die uitruilprogram is reeds in 2001 deur die Departement van Landbou in samewerking met die Boergondië streek begin.

Wat was jou beste vakke op skool en wat het jy na skool gedoen?

Wiskunde, Biologie en Natuur- en Skeikunde was die vakke waarin ek goed gevaar het. Na skool het ek chemiese ingenieurswese van 2008-2010 geswot, maar moes my studies weens finansiële redes staak.

Gaan jy verder studeer?Ek het reeds deur Stellenbosch Universiteit aansoek

gedoen om volgende jaar vir ‘n B.Agric graad by Elsenburg te studeer, met die hoop dat my aansoek aanvaar sal word en dat ek moontlik vir ‘n beurs sal kwalifiseer.

Hoe ontspan jy na-ure en wat doen jy in jou vrye tyd?

Spandeer meeste van my tyd met my dogtertjie van 3-jaar oud en my meisie. Ek geniet dit ook om saam met my vriende en familie te kuier, veral om ‘n braai waar almal gesellig verkeer met ‘n glasie wyn.

A God in RuinsBy Kate Atkinson. Publ: Doubleday, 395 pages.

It’s not necessary to have read Kate Atkinson’s previous book “Life After Life” in order to understand “A God in Ruins” but it helps. It is not a sequel, although most of the characters appear in both books. It is perhaps more of a critique of the ideals in the first book. The Todds of Fox Corner are still the centre from which most of the plot lines spin out like a great cobweb of individual histories. “Life after Life” sketched a society before the Second World War and had an audacious plot in which the central figure, Ursula Todd, lived several alternative lives, dying and being reincarnated in the time that England wrestled with the threat of Hitler.

By comparison “A God in Ruins” is a much more conventional book with not as complicated a plot line. It is also a sadder book, as the title suggests. The god in question is Squadron Leader Teddy Todd, Ursula’s brother, whom we remember previously as an angelic little boy. He is now a bomber pilot who has survived over 70 missions over enemy cities and is therefore worshipped by his aircrew who think of him as offering them divine protection. He is also a

god in the sense that he rains death and destruction on both innocent German civilians and on Nazi factories manufacturing arms. The slightest deviation from a target can unload a deadly cargo of bombs on an unseen and unknown target, sometimes even in a friendly country. Lastly, and tragically, he is an impervious god who grows old and suffers the indignities of old age, indeed a ruin of his former self. In some ways the impotent, sad old man reflects the ruined postwar Europe, a record of shattered ideals and evil ambitions. Ironically, in the heat of the war Teddy vows that one day he will try to be “a kind human being.”

However, Teddy does have another life apart from the war, and Atkinson’s narrative jumps forward and backward in time as Teddy marries his boyhood sweetheart, becomes a father twice, loses his wife to a tragic illness and has to cope with an increasingly resentful daughter. There is real meat to the various family dramas that play out around Teddy, but the time shifts prevent them from ever becoming melodramatic or sentimental. The story of the war hero who becomes a bumbling nature journalist for a country paper is interleaved with utterly realistic scenes of aerial combat and gentle animal and bird observation. The early scenes of domestic bliss are tempered by intimations of the loss that will occur. This means there is no narrative tension, no wondering what will happen. Instead we seem to wander from one room to another in a house of alternative times.

In this book Kate Atkinson joins Pat Barker as a chronicler of the horrors and realities of war. Perhaps even Joseph Heller’s “Catch 22” is echoed in the madness of generals sending airmen on mission after suicidal mission; Teddy is what Yossarian might have been like if he had survived the war, a rather dull man disappointed by love and life. But Atkinson is also a keen observer of contemporary life. Viola, the embittered daughter of Teddy, is a sharply drawn portrait of a successful popular novelist (“almost as good as Jody Picoult”) who has to learn not to take out her resentment on her children. The way in which she seeks out her estranged son who has become a Buddhist guru on Bali and tries to live up to his teachings is both very funny and also very moving. It also raises the delicate question of whether her being a better mother might make her a worse novelist.

This is a novel that takes some concentration to appreciate, but is worth every moment and might drive you back to “Life After Life.”

FLF Book ChatExplore the FLF Collection in our library!

The hundreds of books donated by the Literary Festival include South African history, memoirs, environmental issues, hot politics, cooking, gardening and a host of other subjects, as well as the latest novels.

Read some of the books by authors coming to

this year’s FLF, including Zelda le Grange’s Good Morning, Mr Mandela, Vernon Head’s The Search for the Rarest Bird in the World, Rehana Rossouw’s What Will People Say? and Malaika Wa Azania’s Memoirs of a Born-Free.

For a list of the books in the FLF Collection, email [email protected]

Book ReviewCharlotte van Zyl

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A double dose of Duigan at Café Bon Bon in JulyChristopher Duigan, well-known pianist and

director of the May and October Classic Music Festivals in Franschhoek is bringing two superb music evenings to local audiences in July.

The first on Saturday, 4 July, is the Cape launch of Duigan’s new CD, Indigo, with virtuoso saxophonist David Salleras. Duigan has been collaborating with Salleras, on concerts and recordings since their first meeting in 2012. Salleras, who resides in Barcelona, is regarded as a world leader in contemporary classical saxophone performance and has attracted international attention though his fluency in a variety of musical styles.

The CD is of Duigan's own original music for saxophone and piano, which he has created over a number a years. Salleras has expressed a particular

interest in this new music that he sees as a valuable contribution to the saxophone repertoire. The music includes Six Pint Sized Pieces, Four KZN Landscapes, Soledad and Indigo. Their concert performance in Franschhoek includes selections from their vibrant world music repertoire from Spain and Argentina, film music and selections from the CD. The CD will be available to purchase at all concerts at R100.

Then on Saturday, 11 July, Music Revival presents a celebration of French song, La vie et la musique, for Franschhoek's Bastille weekend. The popular stage personality and operatic baritone Federico Freschi is joined by Christopher Duigan at the piano. Both are sought-after performers on South Africa's concert stages. Their selection of French music features a choice of classic French songs, operatic arias from

Gounod's Faust and Bizet's Carmen and, from the genre of popular French song, La Vie en Rose, Autumn Leaves and Plaisir d'amour. A select clutch of songs form Cole Porter’s Paris years are also featured. The song selection is interleaved with piano solos from Debussy, Satie and Ravel including Debussy’s Clair de lune.

The Bastille Soirée and CD launch are both presented at Café Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine. Tickets for these events are R450 per person, which includes a three-course meal served at 19h00. Booking for these popular evenings at Café Bon Bon is essential.

www.musicrevival.co.za | 021 876 3936 (Café Bon Bon)

met Roger Cloete, Kelder Assistent van La Bri en topstudent van die onlangse

Wine Training SA se SKOP 3 kursus

Christopher Duigan (left) and David Salleras


4 JulyClassic Music Concert: Indigo CD launch (Chris Duigan, David Salleras)Venue: Café Bon Bon @ La Petite Dauphine Time: 18h30 for 19h30. Cost: R450 incl. 3-course meal. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 876 3936

11 JulyBASTILLE SOIRÉE: La vie et la musique (Federico Freschi, Chris Duigan)Venue: Café Bon Bon @ La Petite Dauphine. Time: 18h30 for 19h30. Cost: R450 incl. 3-course meal. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 876 3936

11 JulyLa Motte Concert: French Festivies – I Love ParisVenue: La Motte Historic Cellar. Time: 19h00. Cost: R170 pp. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 876 8000

12 JulyFrancoise Hardy: C’est si Bon-Bon by Cat SimoniVenue: Café Bon Bon @ La Petite Dauphine. Time: 12h30 for 13h00. Cost: R450 incl. 3-course meal. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 876 3936

11 & 12 JulyFranschhoek Bastille FestivalVenue: Marquee at Huguenot Monument. Time: 12h00 to 17h00. Cost: R200 pp. Venue: Town Hall. Time: 12h00 to 17h00. Cost: R120 pp. Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

18 JulyGinspiration pairing dinnerVenue: Boschendal Werf

Restaurant. Time: 18h30 for 19h00. Cost: R450 pp. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 870 4274

31 JulyChristmas in July with Jenny Morris for The Sunflower FundVenue: Vrede en Lust. Time: Morning. cost: R350 pp. Tickets: [email protected] or 021 701 0661

31 JulyWine & Dine Collaboration: ShirazVenue: The Restaurant @ Grande Provence. Time: 18h30 for 19h00. Cost: Please enquire .Tickets: reservations@grandeprovence or 021 876 8600

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

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

Church Services• NG 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 Church Sunday service: 09h30. Minister: Dr Shaun Burrows, 021 876 2632. All visitors most welcome.

• Shofar Christian Church 08h30 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.

Plastic surgery clinic get the go aheadIn a Record of Decision (RoD) dated 10th June

2003 the Department of Environmental Affairs gave the go ahead subject to conditions for use of the L’Aubade site as a plastic surgery with 16 surgery beds and a 50 room convalescence section.

The final architectural design must still has to be approved by Stellenbosch Municipality.

A key factor in the developer’s choice of this site was that a dramatic view site was essential so as to provide clients with a visually peaceful panorama in which to spend their recuperative days. The RoD acknowledges that the site is visually sensitive

and that in the short term the visual impact would be medium to high but if (in the long term) the mitigation measures were strictly applied the impact would be reduced to medium to low.

However, the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) (as quoted in the scoping report) concluded that in the long term the overall visual impact would be medium if all mitigation measures were carefully applied.

One of the 15 RoD conditions requires the mitigation measures detailed in the VIA to be strictly adhered to and reviewed annually. One measure is that existing trees must be protected and retained until new indigenous trees have matured enough to screen the development.

It is not clear how strict adherence to the mitigation measures will be enforced after the clinic is built. The Franschhoek Trust and the Franschhoek Ratepayers Association have indicated that they will be appealing against this RoD.

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: With the Sun in Cancer, and Mars there as well, these impatient rams have to be careful not to push their agenda too much. If you are not happy with circumstances, it is not out there, it’s within you and the mind. Edgar Cayce said, ‘the spirit is life, the mind is the builder, the physical is the result’.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: Taurians like to be enduring; stable and fixed in their ways. They seek balance and harmony in the organisation of their immediate environment. At the moment they easily become sentimental and cling to the past. On the spiritual level this relates to devotional and traditional rituals and exercises that help to overcome the past.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: The mutable air sign, or the twins of the heavens, can be seen as flexibility, motion and interchange. Geminins possess quickness and adaptability, but the mind will exhaust them through excessive activities. As long as they don’t seek the inner knowledge and rather look for sensations, they will take the ‘painful’ route to focus.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: Cardinal water is what the astrologer calls this asterism; consider the amount of water in your body and the importantance of clean, pure water. The value of human relationships and the exchange of feelings, particular on an intimate and personal level are crucial. Mars and the Sun can easily bring a lot of destruction here.

Leo, 23 July – 22 August: The king of the jungle possesses a strong sense of the self, character and will. Leos know who they are and want others to recognize it. They prefer to be the centre of attention and value honour, respect and prestige. Those with high standards for themselves can become dejected very easy if they fail to succeed.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: This mutable earth sign needs to show a balancing of energy, particular between body and mind. The lack of recognition for what they do is often a sign of overwork and the need to be of service. Owning that desire, to

the changeable mind creates a sensitive nervous system. The discrimination towards philosophical liberation can heal a lot.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: The scale of balance is considered as the sign of reformers, revolutionaries, prophets, idealists and fanatics. They have a strong sense of harmony, justice and balance in the realm of the ideas. They want to see heaven and earth, yet they lose themselves in their goals and projects. Creating disharmony for the sake of balance does not work.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: The fixed water element represents the need for stability on a deeper psychic level. This makes them profound and mysterious. They have talents in research and inquiry. With Mars in Cancer, their emotional equilibrium will be challenged and tested. Be careful with intensity and secrets; keep emotions clear, pure and free of envy.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: Saturn, the planet of limitation, is sitting on the cusp of Scorpio and Sagittarius – what astrologers call a gandanta point – where the element of water (motions) and fire (actions) meet and look for refined sensitivity to establish a sound infrastructure on many levels. Do not underestimate the will of the heavens.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: Because the Sun and Mars, through an aspect from Cancer in the opposition sign of Capricorn, Capricorns need to face those levels of self-surrender in order to take themselves less seriously. Do not be detached from emotions: those emotions are the senses of the soul.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: The water bearers are the most negative towards the self of all the types. On a higher spiritual level they become very faithful and have the capacity to surrender the ego to the divine. Only by the clarity of the intuitive perception everything can be known. Critical friends are in need of spiritual advice.

Pisces, 19 February - 20 March: The mutable water sign provides imaginative, expansive, intuitive and idealistic enthusiasm. Pisces are vulnerable to impressionable influences and have too many practical ideas about themselves – they need to reflect the joy of the soul in their daily approach and practical application. The greatest desire is to know God.

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

ACCOUNTANTSTax Shop 021 876 2676 ATTORNEYSSusan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469 Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084BURGLAR ALARMS Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031 Franschhoek Tennis Club 082 557 0278 Franschhoek Trust & RPA 021 876 3460 Grt. Drak Games Club 021 874 1906 Lions 021 876 3775 Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991 Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 773 9217 Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179 COMPUTER SERVICES Franschhoek IT Services 082 356 0226 Solid IT Solutions 084 015 8808ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric 082 823 7119/021 876 3640 Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923 EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt 021 876 4431/082 972 5755 Burger Excavations 072 3408518HEALTH & BEAUTY Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261 Salon Excelsior 021 876 2218 Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310HOUSE & GARDEN Clock Repairs 028 840 1716 Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640 Paarl Pool Services 021 872 0747/083 658 4944 Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355INTERNET ACCESS Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 3921PostNet 021 876 3025OPTOMETRIST Marelise Rester 021 872 3530PHOTOGRAPHIC Franschhoek Photolab 021 876 4741PHYSIOTHERAPY Claire Horn 021 876 4234/082 582 1029 PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759 PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice 021 876 3085

Library 021 808 8406 Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532 Post Office 021 876 2342 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670 SPCA 021 876 4808 SCHOOLSBridge House School 021 874 8100 Franschhoek High School 021 876 2079 Groendal Primary School 021 876 2448 Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211 Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 2360 Dalubuhle Primary School 021 876 3957 STORAGE Franschhoek Storage 021 876 2174TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office 021 876 3603 Winelands Experience 021 876 4042 TRANSPORT GOODS Gerald Fourie 021 876 2940/082 821 5234VETERINARY Huguenot Animal Clinic 021 876 4278 Surgery (pm only) 021 876 2504 Emergency 082 577 9900EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stellenbosch Fire Dept. (Buildings on fire) 021 808 8888 Cape Winelands Distr.Muni. (Bush & veld fires) 021 887 4446 021 886 9244Police 10111/021 876 8061 Eskom 086 003 7566 Neighbourhood Watch 083 493 7778Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318 Plaaswag 021 876 2346 DENTISTS Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070 Dr Rob Hammer 021 876 2634 DOCTORS Dr Tracey Garner 021 876 4622 Dr Shelley Hellig 021 871 1063 Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474 Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 021 876 2304 EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE Medicare EMR 074 363 7794/021 876 4316MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Councillor Frazenburg (DA) 021 808 8490 (Ward 2) Councillor Ntsunguri (ANC) 021 808 8754 (Ward 3) Councillor August (DA) 021 808 8186 (Ward 4) Councillor Johnson (DA) 021 808 8019Municipality (Office Hours) 021 808 8700 Municipality (afternoon only) 021 808 8890 Municipality 24hr Service 021 808 8700

A While AgoJuly 2003

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

July Calendar

Useful Numbers


HOUSE KEEPER: Caroline, a South African lady, is looking for a job as housekeeper – full time or part time. She has long experience. Contact her at 083 616 7168.

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL BOOK and can’t find it? Call John at the Armchair Explorer, we will source it for you. Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129

NAME BADGES: PostNet Franschhoek. R75 each. Silver, gold or White plate. Magnet fastening. Made on site – professional express service! Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

TO LET: 2 bedroom cottage, furnished or unfurnished. Walking distance to village. R7 000 per month from July. Phone: 083 289 0931

Relax! Let RIAPOOLS bring the sparkle back to your pool. Call: 072 347 5355

FOR SALE: Brand new Canon IXUS 145 bundle. Still in box. Valued at R1300 to be sold for R1100. Rollerblades brand new R300. Contact Karen 082 925 0931.

BOOK BINDING AND BOOK REPAIRS. Contact John 021 876 4129 or john@thearmchair explorer.co.za

TO LET: 2 Bed / one bathroom Cottage, with small enclosed garden and pool, pets welcome. Please contact: Janet 0782956883 / [email protected]

RIAPOOLS is this area’s premier pool maintenance company. For advice please call: 072 347 5355

PLASMA SCREEN ADVERTISING at BuildIt Franschhoek. High traffic area. From R250 per month. Contact Johan Viljoen on 084 205 7157.

LOST PARROT: Our precious African Grey Parrot ‘Chilli’ has flown away. Grey with red tail. If you have her or see her – please call Carol 072 477 0610. Reward offered.

KITTENS AND DOGS looking for homes. Call Annette 021 876 3155

EXCESS BOOKS? Shelves creaking, moving house or just thinning out your collection? Contact John Hicks 021 876 4129

MAILBOXES: Postnet Franschhoek. R495 per year. Limited number still available. No “junk mail”. Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

DOMESTIC OR CHILD MINDER: My name is Precious. I’m looking for a job as a housekeeper, house cleaner or child minder. I have experience in these fields. I’m honest, hardworking and reliable. I’m not currently working and can start immediately. Call me on 078 087 5627 or 061 292 4007.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: Mature, responsible female (recently relocated to Franschhoek) with retail, décor & 5-star hotel background. Eileen cell 082 368 1115 email eilstyle @vodamail.co.za

INTL TELEPHONE CARDS: PostNet Franschhoek. Reduced international call rates using our international call cards. R50 / R100 each. Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

TONER CARTRIDGES: Laser toner cartridges remanufactured to industry standards – perfect quality for half the price. For a quote and sample please call Barbara on 084 400 4544 or email your cartridge details to [email protected]

PET-SITTER/HOUSE-SITTER/CARE-TAKER: I am a responsible, mature woman who adores animals. I can also supervise domestic staff, pool and garden maintenance, car care, etc. You can trust me with your precious pets and belongings. Contact Sue at 083 270 9555

SELF-INKING STAMPS: PostNet Franschhoek. Various sizes, Multi coloured ink pads, Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [email protected]

TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIREBrush Cutters, Lawn Mowers,

Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills, Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammers

SERVICING & REPAIR Light Industrial Equipment

RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOVAL

DELIVERIES

LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVES

PORTABLE LOOS

CLEANING of businesses and other premises

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always at your service

072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123Email: [email protected]

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Email [email protected] Siegfried SchäferLayout Gail AbrahamsPrinting Signet Printers

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services therin described.

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Awards for Sotheby’s Franschhoek

The Sotheby’s Franschhoek team, consisting of owner Bev Malan, Jac Hanekom and James Penlington, raked in numerous awards at the annual Sotheby’s Western Cape Awards Ceremony that was held at the Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate on 12 May 2015.

Their awards haul included runner-up for the CEO Award for highest units sold, beating the likes of the Cape Town Southern Suburbs and Stellenbosch. The Franschhoek office also received a special award for Marketing Excellence which is given to the franchise that has the best external image.

Also present at the event were chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa, Lew Geffen, as

well as EMEA region managing director of Sotheby’s International Realty, Olivier Beumer. In his address Beumer said that Lew Geffen Sotheby’s was the largest Sotheby’s Realtor outside the United States. He was also extremely impressed with the professionalism of the agents, the marketing and especially the IT systems employed. Lew Geffen confirmed that Sotheby’s sales were up 32% in the Western Cape this year – despite sellers being unrealistic about price – and this growth is predicted to continue into the next year.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 12 800 sales associates located in approximately 660 offices in 47 countries.

www.sothebysrealty.co.za | 021 876 8480

Prizes aplenty for Seeff

Seeff Boland Winelands, Brackenfell and West Coast held their annual prize giving at the Slanghoek Mountain Resort outside Worcester on 5 June 2014.

The day’s proceedings started with a talk by motivational speaker, Verity Price. Price, who is also a singer/songwriter, first gained attention for her innovative approach to the music industry when she sold an as-yet-unrecorded album online after using management guru Edward de Bono’s Six Hats methodology to work out how to raise funding for the actual recording. Her inspiring talk centred on the importance of taking action, emphasising that ideas don’t bring you closer to your dreams only actions do. She concluded her talk by singing one of her own songs; You’d be crazy not to try.

Before the prize giving commenced Pierre Germishuys, the Seeff licence holder for the Boland Winelands, Brackenfell and West Coast areas,

provided an overview of the impressive growth the group has experienced over the past 5 years.

The first prizes to be awarded were regional awards where several branches got in on the action, not only as finalists, but also as winners. On hand to present these awards was Sean Biden, Western Cape Regional Manager for Seeff Properties. (Biden is no stranger to Franschhoek, having started the local Seeff branch with his father, Rob, in 2003.)

The two big prizes of the day – Best Sales Agent and Best Rental Agent – both went to members of the Franschhoek branch; Melina Visser and Tania van Deemter, respectively.

Later in June, at the Seeff National Awards, Pierre Germishuys received awards from Seeff Chariman, Samuel Seeff, for Best Trademark and Best Marketer for a number of the branches in his portfolio.

www.seeff.com | 021 876 4592

The Seeff Boland Winelands, Brackenfell and West Coast team at Slanghoek Mountain ResortInset left: Tania van Deemter (Best Rental Agent); Inset Right: Melina Visser (Best Sales Agent)

New owners at Le Franschhoek Hotel

The luxury Le Franschhoek hotel has new owners. Regular guests need not worry though as they promise that it will retain its distinctive charm.

The property has been acquired by Johannesburg-based hotel and resort portfolio Dream Hotels & Resorts.

Dream Hotels & Resorts’ other properties include the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Cape Town, the Mjejane Bush Camp in Mpumalanga and The Blue Marlin in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to portfolio co-founder Weston Dickson, "Bringing Le Franschhoek into the Dream Hotels & Resorts fold has been a long-time ambition of mine. Le Franschhoek's acquisition will greatly enhance our

diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts and we see it as one of our flagship properties, appealing to an already established international and local corporate and leisure market," Dickson said.

Resort project director Brent Dickson said "Dream Hotels & Resorts will continue to build on the momentum created by the previous management, while introducing our sales and marketing strategy to even further enhance Le Franschhoek's status."

Le Franschhoek's general manager Chris Snyman revealed that the hotel will experience a soft refurbishment of its food and beverage facilities, that a new menu will be arriving in July and that the Swiss Farm-style High Tea will be reintroduced.

Jac Hanekom, Bev Malan (dealer principal) and James Penlington of Sotheby’s International Realty Franschhoek


INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GROUPThe Real Estate Leaders

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Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Parking 1

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Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 3 Garages 1A SEASON FOR ALL. Four exclusive North Facing sectional title units – brand new village release. Well appointed units of around 185m² under roof, with petite garden and swimming pool. Double volume entrance hall leads to a beautiful formal lounge/dining area which follows through onto patio and pool area. Study, contemporary kitchen and guest cloakroom are on lower level, with 2 stunning loft style bedrooms with Juliet balconies.

WEB 338 898

MELINA VISSER 082 419 9928 or 021 876 4592 & ADELL FERREIRA 083 964 1155 or 021 876 4592

CHARM & ELEGANCE. Be enveloped by luxury and comfort! Entertain and relax in ultimate style in tranquil surroundings amongst parks and lakes. Superior quality finishes include caesar stone worktops, imported wood-look Italian porcelain tiles, Plantation shutters, chandeliers, antique bronzed taps, light switches and plug points. Extras include aircons in all bedrooms, study, studio, lounge and dining room.

WEB 352 396Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Parking 1

ELZA OBERHOLZER 083 764 4733

PRICED TO SELL. A vibrant ambiance greets you as you enter this beautifully, fully furnished, upmarket Bachelor’s apartment in the Franschehoek Estate. Offering lounge, dining room and fully equipped kitchen with a spacious en-suite bedroom plus separate walk in dressing area.

WEB 354 888

MARIANNE VAN DER MERWE 082 921 3248 or 021 876 4592

MAGNIFICENT FAMILY HOME. Well-designed family home with open plan living to maximise the stunning views of the golf course, Simonsberg Mountains and lake. Offering flowing reception rooms with feature fireplace, sliding doors leading onto seamless glass enclosed entertainers covered patio overlooking the gunite pool.

WEB 354 666Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2

KEVIN LAYDEN 082 300 9446 or 021 876 4592 & ESME WILDMAN 083 307 8039 or 021 876 4592

ONE OF FRANSCHHOEK’S FINEST. In the best position in Franschhoek lies this very rare opportunity to purchase one of the true gems of the village.This magnificent welcoming home, impeccably designed by an internationally acclaimed Interior Designer is an entertainers dream. Offering expansive open plan living spaces with breath-taking views, farm style kitchen.

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2

KEVIN LAYDEN 082 300 9446 or 021 876 4592 & ESME WILDMAN 083 307 8039 or 021 876 4592

ADELL FERREIRA 083 964 1155 or 021 876 4592

VAL DE VIE R9 950 000


FRANSCHHOEK R3 150 000FRANSCHHOEK R2 250 000

PEARL VALLEY R5 500 000


FranschhoekSales and residential Letting 021 876 [email protected]

www.pamgolding.co.za/franschhoek

CLASSIC SOPHISTICATION

R9.8 MILLION

This beautiful thatch home is located in the secure, vineyard estate of La Ferme Chantelle. Comprised of a generous double volume entrance hall, an open plan lounge and dining room with well appointed kitchen, scullery and pantry. A 2nd dining area with TV lounge has a beautiful double sided wood burning fireplace. There are French doors from both lounges that open to a undercover patio with gas braai and seamless glass folding doors that look over the salt pool, private garden and mountain views.

Web Access FWI1127343Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Garages: 2 Off-street Parking: 2

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 | JEANINE ALLEN 0824106837

SPACIOUS HOME IN CUL-DE-SAC R4.75 MILLIONTucked away in a secluded and quiet Cul-de-Sac of the exclusive Franschhoek Village. This is a spacious North Facing home brilliantly positioned for a family or to run as a boutique guest house. Featuring 5 en-suite bedrooms - four with direct access from outside, two bedrooms with walk in dressing rooms, large entertainment/family room with balcony and beautiful views, second lounge, kitchen with granite tops and separate scullery, spacious separate dining room opening onto a private paved outdoor entertainment area and swimming pool as well as staff accommodation.

Web Access FWI1215911Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Garages: 1 Off-Street Parking: 3

IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN R4.2 MILLIONLocated on quiet street within walking distance of village. This beautiful home offers 3 bedrooms/study and 2 full bathrooms. Comprised of entrance hall, lounge with fireplace and dining room, well equipped kitchen with scullery & pantry. French doors open onto private north facing covered patio and solar heated swimming pool. Main bedroom has French doors to private courtyard with mountain views, generous en-suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room. Underfloor heating and air-conditioned throughout, with low maintainence garden, making it a perfect lock up and go or permanent home. A large double garage with off street parking completes this immaculate property.

Web Access FWI1222546Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 2

NEAT AS A PIN! R3.95 MILLION This immaculate cottage is situated in the La Petite Provence Secure Estate in Franschhoek. An ideal lock-up & go or holiday getaway to enjoy the best of Franschhoek. Offering 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms – master en-suite with separate dressing room, spacious open plan kitchen/lounge area with fireplace, enclosed patio/family room with glass folding doors opening onto private garden, separate scullery and double garage. The Estate offers a tennis court, swimming pool, club house and magnificent mountain views. A very neat home situated in a Cul-de-Sac, only a few minutes walk to village.

Web Access FWI1219575Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garage: 2

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 | JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837


FRANSCHHOEK COTTAGE

R3.2 MILLIONThis gem of a home is situated in a boutique gated estate only a short walk from the main road of Franschhoek. Entering into the main reception area with double volume ceiling and fireplace that leads onto a private outdoor entertainment area with BBQ, swimming pool and mountain views. 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) are downstairs with a spacious 3rd bedroom upstairs. Separate kitchen and dining room with windows looking onto the mature landscaped garden makes this a lovely home or ideal holiday accommodation in the heart of Franschhoek. 2 off street parking bays in front of the double garage an added bonus. This home must be viewed to appreciate what it has to offer.

Web Access FWI1213831Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 2




Centre du Franschhoek, 23 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690Tom: +27 (0)79 955 3114, [email protected]: +27 (0)82 650 9194, [email protected]

Tel/Fax: +27 (0)21 876 3322Fine & Country Franschhoek

33.8 Hectare Farm in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. In a prime location, on the edge of Franschhoek Village, this property has it all, breathtaking views, 22 hectares of established award winning vineyards with excellent terroir, 4 bedroom Manor House (in need of some modernization), with swimming pool and mature gardens. The property also includes 2 cottages and a variety of out-buildings.The vineyards include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Petit Verdot. There is borehole water for irrigation and domestic use.

Farm Size: 33.8ha | Web: 130198

FRANSCHHOEK POAStunning 1000m² home on 60ha lifestyle/working farm with uninterrupted views over Paarl Rock and surrounding areas. This wonderful family home is a fusion of farmhouse style with contemporary touches creating the best of both worlds. Top of the range finishes are combined with architecural antiques to create an upmarket but eclectic feel. There are four large en-suite bedrooms upstairs, with a study/pyjama lounge. Downstairs there are large open plan family and dining rooms, a large country farmhouse style kitchen/breakfast room, and a guest suite. Outside a large wrap around stoep, large swimming pool, and gardens are perfect for entertaining.

Erf Size: 60ha | Web Ref: 132 210

PAARL R18 000 000

One of the finest Gentlemen's Estates just 2km from Franschhoek is this stunningly situated 164 hectare farm. Magnificently located on the upper mountain slopes with uninterrupted 360 degree views of the Franschhoek Valley, this unique property includes the Safari Lodge offering seven luxurious en-suite rooms, the Owner's House, additional guest accommodation including two one bedroom cottages and two forest suites overlooking the lake, boma wedding/function, 50 hectare game farm, 2.6 hectares of vines. The property also includes a huge drive-in wine cellar.

Farm size: 164.2 ha | Web: 130199


SOLE MANDATE

Investment property | 1 Bedroom apartment | Secure | Web:132756

This well-appointed 108sqm apartment is the ideal lock-up-and-go investment property positioned within the L'ermitage lifestyle development on the slopes of Mont Rochelle. The apartment features one large bedroom with a luxurious en-suite bathroom. The living area offers an open-plan kitchen with a comfortable lounge/dining room leading out to a spacious covered veranda. The apartment forms part of a rental pool managed and serviced by the L'ermitage Chateau & Villas and provides ongoing rental income throughout the year. Owners and guests have access to on-site facilities which include a hotel restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

L’ERMITAGE R2 250 000

Nestled high in the Wemmershoek Mountains this large but easy to maintain property is a rare combination of total seclusion yet close proximity to Franschhoek and Paarl. The bird's eye panoramic views make you feel on top of the world . The main dwelling is a three bedroom cottage with open plan living/dining room, kitchen, double garage and study with conversion potential to a fourth bedroom. The garden is filled with a variety of mature fruit trees. A one bedrooom cottage with awesome views is located away from the main house. Large area of wild fynbos. The property has great potential as a gentleman's estate or eco-development.

Erf Size: 48ha | Web: 132242

WEMMERSHOEK R12 950 000

SOLE MANDATE

This beautiful 3 bedroom family home is a must view. The property includes a spacious double volume open plan living/dining room with fireplace, opening onto an open plan kitchen. Three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large mezzanine area perfect as a tv room/office. Patio doors lead onto a covered verandah area overlooking the garden and a sparkling pool. Large double garage. Stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and Franschhoek Mountains. This secure wine estate includes a club-house, estate pool and tennis court.

3 Bedrooms ensuite | Stunning views | Secure Estate | Erf: 627m² | Web: 76645

SOLE MANDATE

SOLE MANDATE

WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME ON LA PETITE PROVENCE R4 500 000

franschhoek tatler - july 2015

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