Franschhoek Tatler - September 2015

Scan the QR code to read the Tatler online

Sep

tem

be

r 201

5 FRANSCHHOEK

Boschendal - 330 years young

Page 3

The shutters withstood an attack with a 2-kg hammer!TESTED

Security with style

ico

n c

omm

unic

atio

ns 3

238-

7E

hutterGuard is the only product that does the work of both shutters and burglar bars. � is robust, patented system provides an almost impenetrable barrier against burglars, while enhanc-

ing the appearance – and value – of your property! ShutterGuard is manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel, with a durable white or bronze powder-coated � nish, and is therefore impervious to rust and weather. It can be � tted inside win-dows and sliding doors, or used to enclose a stoep or patio. � e panels can be locked, and the patented mechanism makes it extremely di� cult for an intruder to break the louvres without the use of power tools, even when the louvres are in the open position. Get stylish protection with elegant, but tough, ShutterGuard! Phone us for a free quotation.

S

Irna van Wyk: 082 572 2740 SOMERSET WEST, STRAND, GORDON’S BAY: 021 851 0176 STELLENBOSCH, FRANSCHHOEK: 021 883 3783 E-mail: [email protected] • Fax: 021 886 8516

www.stellenboschblinds.co.za

SUPPLIERS OF TAYLOR QUALITY PRODUCTS • VENETIAN BLINDS • VERTICAL BLINDS • WOVEN BLINDS • THERMOWOOD SHUTTERS

Healthy teeth, healthy heart?

Page 9

Q&A: James O'Grady

Page 19

Municipal manager suspendedStellenbosch Municipal Manager,

Christa Liebenberg, was temporarily suspended after a special town council meeting on 4 August.

The suspension followed after a series of charges were made against her in June. An independent legal practitioner was appointed by the town council to investigate the charges. This report, that cleared her of all but two of the charges, served before the town council on 20 July. Council then resolved that she should face disciplinary action on the remaining charges and gave her seven days to appeal against this decision and provide reasons why she should not face disciplinary action. Liebenberg did this, but was nevertheless temporarily suspended after a special sitting of the town council on 4 August.

The first charge that is being pursued relates

to Liebenberg’s alleged failure to execute legal instructions, non-execution of the policies of the council and failure to follow council’s guidelines for responsible officials and supply chain regulations. The second charge relates to her allegedly not following the terms of her employment agreement and that by doing so she diminished the effectiveness of the council.

Liebenberg will remain suspended until the disciplinary process against her has been concluded.

Executive Mayor, Alderman Conrad Sidego, said in a statment that

“Naturally this is being treated as a matter of urgency and we hope to conclude it as soon as possible.”

The Director of Planning and Economic Development, Dupré Lombaard, is currently serving as acting Municipal Manager.

Civic Amenity Centre for Franschhoek

Stellenbosch Municipality is planning on establishing a number of Civic Amenity Centres and the first one will be in Franschhoek. The CAC will be a facility where residents can dispose of their bulky, uncollected waste in a responsible manner. The public participation and site selection process for the CAC commenced in mid-August.

The aims of the proposed facility is to promote recycling and ultimately reduce the amount of waste going to the Stellenbosch landfill site, which is nearing capacity. The CAC will accept recyclable waste, builder’s rubble, uncollected general waste, and garden waste. No hazardous waste or putrescible household waste will be allowed.

The facility will allow vehicles to enter, park, dispose of their waste and then drive off. Specific areas will be provided for sorted recyclable wastes, such as glass, metal and green waste.

Four possible sites for the CAC were identified by the technical team: Erf 290 immediately to the south of the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre, Part of Erf 1064/17 where the Franschhoek Waste Water Treatment Works were situated, Farms 1653a

and b in La Motte Bosbou and Erf 23 behind the bowling green.

As part of the public participation process interested residents were taken to the Wynberg CAC in Cape Town, which has been operating very successfully for several years.

The Franschhoek Civic Amenity Centre will be similar to the one above that is operated by the City of

Cape Town in Wynberg

Suspended Municipal Manager Christa Liebenberg

2 Franschhoek Tatler September 2015

enetian blinds in durable wood give your home that sophisticated look, viewed from inside or out. � e timeless elegance will enhance any room or o� ce, as it suits a wide range of decor styles.

Only wood from renewable plantations in the Far East is used. Choose from a range of natural wood � nishes, each with its distinctive colour – e.g. golden oak, mahogany and cherry – as well as a white lime -wash � nish. We supply only products from Taylor, who has been manufacturing quality blinds since 1959. Today the name stands for superior products and excellent service at reasonable prices. We o� er an extensive range of blinds and shutters in attractive colours and materials to � t your style and budget. Get the best quality – phone us for a free quotation!

VDurable, luxurious wooden blinds

ico

n c

omm

unic

atio

ns 3

240-

7E

Irna van Wyk: 082 572 2740 SOMERSET WEST, STRAND, GORDON’S BAY: 021 851 0176 STELLENBOSCH, FRANSCHHOEK: 021 883 3783 E-mail: [email protected] • Fax: 021 886 8516

www.stellenboschblinds.co.za

SUPPLIERS OF TAYLOR QUALITY PRODUCTS • VERTICAL BLINDS • WOVEN BLINDS • THERMOWOOD • SHUTTERGUARD • DURADOR

Sotheby’s donates art trophy

Visual Art students at Bridge House School now have something new to aspire to. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Realty’s Franschhoek franchise has sponsored a new trophy for the top matric pupil in the subject.

The trophy was presented to the school at the assembly on 24 July by Bev Malan, owner / principal of the Franschhoek Sotheby’s franchise. Besides accepting the trophy Dave Fuller, the school’s Visual Arts teacher, also celebrated his 60th birthday on the day – an occasion marked with, amongst others, a photographic presentation about his many years at Bridge House School.

The inspiring glass trophy was designed and created by Red Hot Glass on the Spice Route estate and mounted on Paarl granite by Clift’s. It is currently on view in the College reception area, before its first recipient gets to take it home at the school’s awards ceremony later this year.

www.bridgehouse.org.za | www.sothebysrealty.co.za

Sotheby’s principal, Bev Malan, and Bridge House School visual arts teacher, Dave Fuller, with the trophy

donated by Sotheby’s Franschhoek.

Thai group to manage L’ErmitageThe Thai hospitality group Dusit International

has concluded an agreement with the eLan Property Group to manage several hotels and resorts in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean – including Franschhoek’s L’ermitage Chateaux and Villas. The agreement was signed by Dusit International CEO, Mr Chanin Donavanik, and CEO of eLan Property Group, Mr Mark Taylor, during a function at L’ermitage Chateaux and Villas on 26 July 2016. Thai Minister of Commerce General Chatchai Sarikalya was also present.

Pictured right FLTR are Mark Taylor, CEO of eLan Property Group, General Chatchai Sarikalya, Thai Minister of Commerce, and Chanin Donavanik, CEO and MD of Dusit International, at the signing of an agreement to manage several hotels and resorts in Southern Africa.

Wat sê die landbou van die warm winter?

Franschhoek se dorpsbewoners is dankbaar en verlig oor die heerlike warm wintersdae. ‘n Mens kan verstaan dat reënvrye dae die meeste mense pas om te stap, wasgoed te doen, in die tuin te werk of net nie verplig te wees om reëlings te tref vir die nat weer nie. By sommige ontstaan die kommerwekkende vraag egter oor die behoeftes op die plase. Het die boere nie meer reën en koue nodig as wat ons tot dusver hierdie winter ervaar het nie?

Die Tatler het gewonder of ons boere kop bo water hou en met die voorsitter van die Franschhoek Landbouvereniging, Jaco Visser, plaasbestuurder by La Motte, gaan gesels. Hy is sedert November 2014 voorsitter van die Franschhoek Landbouvereniging en gesels onderhoudend oor landbou, ‘n passie van kleins af.

Jaco is deeglik bewus van die reënvalsyfers, water in die damme en ondergrondse watervlakke, maar sê hy is nog nie bekommerd nie. Tans is die Wemmershoekdam 70% vol teenoor 99% dieselfde tyd verlede jaar en die Bergrivierdam 84% teenoor 100.7% dieselfde tyd as verlede jaar. Ander landbougemeenskappe is reeds swaar getref, erger as die Franschhoek vallei. Die El Nino verskynsel het die somer tot laat by ons laat vertoef en vir ons ‘n droë winter besorg. Een van die gevolge is dat boord- en wingerdwerk met ongeveer twee weke geskuif het – na gelang van behoefte.

Op die vraag of die winter genoeg koue eenhede vir die wingerde en boorde gehad het, antwoord Jaco, “net-net”. Ons het in Mei maand ‘n lae aantal koue eenhede gehad in vergelyking met 2014, maar die eenhede het teen middel Augustus tot meer as 600 gestyg. Die reën daarenteen was ongetwyfeld min, omtrent die helfte van waarop gehoop is, maar dit het in ons onmiddellike behoeftes voorsien. Sy boodskap

aan boere is: “Bestuur water optimaal en sorg vir goeie besproeiingskedulering – die regte hoeveelhede water op die regte tye.” Sodoende kan ons die probleem oorbrug.

Die Franschhoek Landbouvereniging vergader kwartaalliks by die Franschhoek rolbalklub en bespreek allerlei sake, insluitend reënvalsyfers, waardeur al die produsente geraak word. Hulle nooi dan ‘n spreker om te kom gesels oor aspekte van gemeenskaplike belang soos arbeidswetgewing, opleiding in die landbou, snoeipraktyke, finansiering, jag, ens. Hulle gee ook ‘n geleentheid aan twee instansies, wat verband hou met landbou aangeleenthede, om by elke vergadering nuwe produkte te kom bekendstel. Na die besprekings word die vergaderings met ‘n ete afgesluit. Die 2015 Algemene Jaar Vergadering is op die 12de November.

Dis nogal gerusstellend as die voorsitter van die landbouvereniging sê, “In die landbou bring elke seisoen sy eie verrassings en die uitdaging aan boere is om deurentyd aan te pas om optimale produksies te behaal.”

Around the Berg River DamTrail building and security initiatives

In an article that appeared in the June Tatler we reported that Stellenbosch Municipality had granted money specifically for repairing and maintaining trails; training guides and employing security guards.

It is heartening to report that small, but good, progress is being made.

Trail building is underway with a team comprising two relatively experienced people (previously employed at Fransche Hoek Estate) and three (previously unemployed) youngsters from Groendal. By all accounts they are finding trail building interesting and are learning a lot.

The Franschhoek team is working with teams from Stellenbosch and they are busy linking Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Local cycle enthusiast Natie Ferreira, who is co-ordinating the team, commented “the exciting part is the synergy that is developing between the different organisations and individuals involved with trail building and events planning.”

Fransche Hoek Estate has donated vineyard poles for the trail project. The trails are going to need a lot of these. If you have poles that you can donate, please contact Natie at [email protected].

On the security front, the aim is to have a security presence at the gate on the Robertsvlei Road, particularly over weekends. In addition to monitoring

and learning who and how many people are accessing the mountain through the Robertsvlei Gate; a major part of the security team’s brief is to stop off-road motorbikers from accessing the mountain area.

If you have been up the mountain yourself or have spoken to any cyclists or hikers who have walked or cycled there recently you will know about the huge – and irreversible – damage the motorbikes cause. It is not sustainable. It is also not safe for cyclists and hikers or runners to share the same paths.

By creating an awareness of the damage caused by the motorbikes it is hoped that the magnificence of the Franschhoek Valley can be protected for current and future generations.

Franschhoek’s new trail builders (FLTR): Vivian Goso, Waylen Borrins, Booi Horing, Le-Adriaan Johnson, Jonathan Manassa.

Labour protest

Sikhula Sonke, a women-led trade union for farm workers, staged a protest action at the entrance to Franschhoek and the Fransche Hoek Estate on 28 and 29 July 2015.

The protest was the result of the retrenchment by Coure Trading, a provider of landscaping and agricultural services to Fransche Hoek Estate, of 18 of its employees – as the company’s contract for the provision of services was terminated at the request of Coure Trading. The protesters demanded that the employees be employed by the estate.

Some of the labourers had until four years ago been employed directly by the Fransche Hoek Estate, but moved to Coure Trading in 2011. Sikula Sonke and the labourers claim Coure Trading’s contract with the estate was improperly terminated before its expiry date of July 2017. They also claim that neither they (as 25% shareholders) nor the other shareholders in Coure Trading – the FREMCO Trust (25%) and Pink Geranium (50%) – were consulted about the contract’s premature termination.

A spokesperson for the estate stated that in fact the request by Coure Trading for its contract to be terminated came through Pink Geranium, with the FREMCO Trust being fully briefed on the matter. The reason provided by Coure Trading for requesting to have its contract terminated was that it was no longer able to meet the terms of the contract to the satisfaction of the estate. Accordingly the contract

was properly terminated by mutual consent.The trade union and labourers poured scorn on an initiative to set up some of the workers in a co-operative venture that would allow them to contract for, amongst other, the work they previously did. “The very same architects of the previous failed attempt of black empowerment initiatives are yet at it again where they want to use some of the workers to start up yet another black empowerment initiative playing the devide (sic) and rule card.”

The spokesperson for the estate stated the estate had never been a shareholder of Coure Trading or ever had any involvement in its management or employment decisions, and that the estate’s only involvement with Coure Trading at all had only ever been that it was a customer of that company. Furthermore, the estate stated that “FHE is considering its future requirements for landscaping services, and possible structures for such arrangements, and will of course be mindful of social responsibility in this matter.”

Retrenched labourers staged a strike at the entrance to the village

Jaco Visser, Voorsitter van die Franschhoek Landbouvereniging

3Franschhoek TatlerSeptember 2015

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.

Contact us for further information.

GP

15.0

1

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Boschendal – 330 years youngThe iconic Boschendal Estate turns 330 this year

and is celebrating by graciously sharing its fine wines, fine food, fine architecture and fine landscape.

Boschendal’s setting is breath-taking and the estate is filled with beautiful things. The Cape Dutch manor house with its magnificent backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains and its expertly restored interior and furnishings is one of the most photographed buildings in South Africa.

Boschendal, of course, is renowned for its award-winning wines. The enthusiastic young winemaking team – Lizelle Gerber, who makes the white wines and Mèthode Cap Classiques, and Richard Duckitt, responsible for the reds – are inspired by the tradition, reputation and high standards of the estate. It’s about respect for the past, upholding quality and imparting distinction and class through everything they do. At the same time they keep an eye on the future, knowing that their role in attaining greatness and excellence will also inspire the next generation.

In celebration of its 330 year anniversary, Boschendal is releasing a special 2013 vintage red blend – the Boschendal 330. This comes in a specially designed bottle reminiscent of the claret bottles that were produced in the 19th century in Bordeaux. The heavyweight bottle boasts an intricate embossing of

the Flora capensis – the Estate’s emblem. The wine is a blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with its two noble partners Petit Verdot and Malbec. Matured in fine French oak barrels for 18 months the wine is accessible now, yet will only improve with cellaring.

On the culinary front Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell presents an excellent new food offering. Visitors will find several options to tempt their taste buds: the Farm Shop and Deli where they can enjoy breakfast or a light lunch; Le Pique Nique that offers famous picnics under the tall stone pines and, for the more discerning visitor, The Werf Restaurant where the menu celebrates “the bounty of the farm with respect and passion.” Again, looking to the future, the La Rhone Manor House next to the winery, is up for restoration and will re-open as a restaurant.

The newly planted vegetable garden adjacent to The Werf Restaurant will provide farm-to-fork dining opportunities, while the estate’s Aberdeen Angus stud will provide grass-fed beef for use in the various eateries.

After 330 years Boschendal remains an elegant estate and the anniversary is both a celebration of Boschendal’s storied past and also of an even brighter future now in the making.

www.boschendal.com

caption

The Boschendal manor house dates from the early 19th century


PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH “LES VIGNERONS DE FRANSCHHOEK”

La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier 2013

Lynx WinesPinot Noir 2014

Pierneef a La Motte’sGame neck potjie

French Connection Bistro’sConfit Duck with Raspberry Vinegar Jus

Good colour and tight, concentrated tannins from the Walker Bay area are combined with spicy, intensely flavoured wine from Elim, to produce a wine full of flavour and complexity. This vintage reflects rose geranium perfume on the nose, with mulberry fruit. Soft and gentle on the palate, medium in body and lots of finesse. A perfect expression of cool climate South African Syrah. Cellar Price: R230

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

“I’ve always loved a good Pinot and now I have one of my own,” says proud cellarmaster Dieter Sellmeyer, “sadly our first vintage is only three barrels”. Typically Pinot Noir, this wine is light, subtle and elegant, with dark cherries and raspberries on both nose and palate. The wine spent 12 month in older barrels so as not to overpower the delicate fruit flavours. Cellar Price: R220

Lynx Wines Tel: 021 867 0406 Email: [email protected]

Ingredients2 onions, sliced2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil300 g belly bacon or smoked kassler chops, diced2 kg deboned kudu neck, cut into chunks (bones reserved for stock), or any other venisonCake flour, for dusting1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamonPinch of ground cloves¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley1 Tbsp (15 ml) brown sugarZest and juice of 1 lemon½ cup (125 ml) quince jelly or grape jam3 cups (750 ml) good-quality dry red wine16 baby carrots1 pkt (250 g) dried pears

Venison stock (250 ml) buttermilk1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper

MethodHeat a cast-iron three-legged pot over open flames. Sauté the onions in oil and add the bacon. Sauté for another 3 minutes and remove from the pot. Set aside.Dust the neck lightly with flour and brown in the pot. Add the cinnamon, cloves, parsley, sugar and lemon zest and cook for 5 minutes.

Pierneef a La Motte Tel: 021 876 8800 Email: [email protected]

IngredientsI4 Duck leg and thigh pieces (attached); 2 kg duck fat; Rock salt; Thyme; Sauce: 2 littres duck stock or brown stock; 1 cup raspberry vinegar; ½ cup honey; 100g butter, cut into blocks¼ cup Crème de Cassis; Red onion marmalade: 3 large red onions; 200ml red wine; 1 large beetroot; 150g orange marmaladeMethodSlice onions and partially cook them. Cut beetroot into quarters and add this and the red wine to the onions and cook until onions are soft and coloured. Strain the onions and remove the beetroot pieces. Take the juice from the strained onions and reduce this with the marmalade, once thick, cool and add this to the onions. Wash the duck pieces and sprinkle with the rock salt and chopped thyme and leave them overnight. Wash the salt off and completely submerge

the duck in duck fat in a roasting tray. Cover with tin foil and cook in a slow oven (120°C) for 4 to 5 hours. At this stage the duck can be kept in its fat for several weeks in the fridge. Remove from the fat and crisp under an eye level grill to serve.For the sauce: place the honey in a pot and cook until it begins to caramelize. Add the cassis and the vinegar and reduce. Add the stock and reduce by half or until the desired consistency is reached. Whisk in the small blocks of butter to finish the sauce.

French Connection Bistro Tel: 021 876 4056 Email: [email protected]

How to enterSend your answer to: [email protected]. The winner will be

informed by return mail before 15 September 2015. Prizes have to be collected from the Franschhoek Info Office before end September 2015 or be forfeited.

Which famous estate turns 330 this year?

Answer this easy question!

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

www.monneaux.co.za

MONNEAUX RESTAURANT

New Winter Menu NOW AVAILABLE


Open to Memories‘The Open’, golf ’s premier major championship,

held in July, brought not only drama on the last day, but also great moments and ignited many memories. This year, the venue was at ‘the Home of Golf ’, St Andrews, regarded by most golfers, professional or amateur, as the pinnacle of golf worldwide.

For me there were two moments of regret. Firstly Jordan Spieth was only a whisker away from winning his third major in one year and secondly South African Louis Oosthuizen lost in a play-off preventing him once again winning at St Andrews – a feat he managed in 2010. In the end American Zach Johnson walked away with the famous Claret Jug, having played brilliant shots under pressure to add to his reputation as one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA tour.

Playing the Old Course, often named as ‘The Old Lady’ has been on my personal bucket list since I first watched ‘The Open’ unfolding at this famous venue.

I confess golf wasn’t on my horizon in sport until I watched Gary Player play at Wentworth, where my family lived nearby. Watching the talent of this little man lured me to the game and I soon learnt watching ‘The Open’ at St Andrews was essential.

I grew up with the wonderful commentaries from Peter Alliss, whose humour, knowledge and command of the English language has always resulted in a particular ability to paint a picture with words.

This year he began describing the first fairway as having so much space “it is like finding a huge completely empty car park; you just wonder where to leave your car.”

Three memorable Open highlights come to mind: Seve Ballesteros’ iconic celebration at the 18th hole when he won in 1984; Doug Sanders missing a 3-foot putt to win over Jack Nicklaus in 1970 and then losing the play-off; and Constantino Rocca, in 1995, fluffing his chip to the 18th green, then sinking a mammoth putt to birdie the hole and tie with John Daly and then sadly losing the play-off.

Perhaps the most poignant memory is from 2005 when Jack Nicklaus, playing his last game at the ‘Home of Golf ’, stood on the Swilcan Bridge and waved his farewell to his fans. This year 5-times-winner of the Open, Tom Watson, waved his own farewell to his beloved Scotland from the Swilcan Bridge. Great moments and memories!

On and Off CourseLawrence Gould

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

FRANSCHHOEK

Wines Franschhoek proudly presents

WINE OF THE WEEK - FREE TASTING

Come and taste Two Elephants of Franschhoek!

Two Eléphants Two Eléphants

The Franschhoek Feeling

Franschhoekof

Hat trick for Grande Provence at 2015 Gold Wine Awards

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate has scored a hat trick at the 2015 Gold Wine Awards with gold medals for three of its easy-drinking Angels Tears wines.

The 2015 vintages of the Angels Tears Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Red all received gold medals at this annual wine competition that acknowledges great value for money wines. This year, wines priced R80 or less per bottle were tasted blind by a panel of tasters from the Cape Wine Academy and some of its graduates.

Boasting upfront fruit on the nose and palate, supported by hints of green pepper, Angels Tears Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is well-balanced with a beautiful, crisp finish. It is a great quaffer with light seafood or chicken dishes.

The harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Angels Tears Red 2015 offers a symphony of upfront red berry flavours with soft, smooth tannins, perfect for everyday enjoyment and relaxing braais or pasta evenings.

Angels Tears Rosé 2015 flaunts lively sweet strawberry flavours and a fruity finish. It is a wonderful partner for lightly seasoned seafood dishes and summer salads.

All three wines are available at leading wine shops nationwide and can be purchased online from the estate’s website or at the cellar door. The wines sell for R35 per bottle at the cellar door.

www.grandeprovence.co.za | 021 876 8600


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

designer craftsman · ceramic studio · gallery

HANDMADE IN FRANSCHHOEK

STUDIOSPILATES & LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT

A contemporary mind-body approach to physical and mental well-being.

➯ An effective Exercise Program➯ A personalized Weight Loss plan➯ Life Coaching specifically targeted

at Lifestyle Change.➯’ Out the Box’ maintenance program.

083 358 4855 · [email protected] · www.pamhammond.co.za Village Artisan, Cabriere Street, Franschhoek

Find us on f Facebook

➯ Pilates ➯ Cardio fitness

➯ Muscle toning➯ Flexibility

➯ Lifestyle Coaching

IntHeBox

IN THE BOXAn individualized three month Weight Control and Wellness

package that includes:

Coming soon: BARRE; Zenga; Stott Teacher training

Sukha Free Spirit Centre

The house with the barrels, round the corner from Tap and Cork, has puzzled many Franschhoekers. Quizzical looks have been cast at the interesting building close to the main street, yet not on it. Well, now it has a new life. It has become home to the Rittel family and the Sukha Free Spirit Centre.

Robert and Danielle Rittel have long looked for a place where they could consolidate their work in Vedic astrology and yoga. After a long search they were thrilled to find a location that could serve as both home and workplace. The house with the barrels was perfect for them; the essence of what they wanted was already there. Danielle says everybody who comes to this house remarks on “the rightness of it all”. It is bigger than what one imagines, with a passage leading to a garden at the back and exudes a pleasing air of calmness.

A lovely big room immediately to the left of the front door is ideal as a yoga room for the morning and evening classes. Beginners, regulars and advanced practitioners are catered for here. Meditation, with the focus on pranayama (the art of breathing control), is incorporated into yoga classes, but will be presented separately in the near future. Opposite this room is Robert’s study. He does one-on-one Vedic astrology consultations and hosts talks on the cosmos, philosophy and spiritual growth.

Danielle points out that it is important to note that yoga and astrology are not religions, they serve to deepen self-knowledge. She mentions followers of all religions who practise yoga. It is helpful to all.

Asked what the future holds for the Free Spirit Centre, Danielle says, “I imagine someone coming here to attend a talk on philosophy, followed by a yoga session and then a relaxing health snack in the garden.” The vision that the Rittels have for the centre is that it will be a peaceful place where all can come for yoga, meditation and spiritual nourishment.

Danielle 073 388 1404 | Robert 073 312 1265

The centre seen from Daniël Hugo Street

Sparkling success for GM&AHrens

There is great anticipation amongst Cap Classique connoisseurs for the launch of the 2012 GM&AHrens Vintage Cuveé on 20 September at their annual Spring Party. Cape Winemaster Dave Marsh said of the sold out 2011 vintage, "I scored it as my top bubbly at 94 points and I defy anyone to disagree." No-one is disagreeing and palates have been set a-tingling at the news that a Cuveé Agrandi too will be introduced later this year.

Nine years ago Gerrit Maritz and Albert Ahrens launched The House of GM&AHrens to produce Cap Classique according to true Champagne methods and traditions. They set the bar high, insisted on keeping it there, and are comfortable ensconced in a place where they are compared to the likes of Krug Champagne. This is the fifth year in which a vintage is released; eight vintages have already been produced.

It takes four to five years of “patience and magic” from grape harvest to maturation, before a vintage is declared ready for the market. Grapes are sourced from 13 different vineyards from all over the Western Cape, then matured and fermented in imported Champagne barrels for 12 months. After blending and bottling, the precious cargo goes to the specially built maturation cellar under

the bubbly house in Franschhoek village. Here, in quiet, carefully controlled conditions behind a glass door, the final maturation and fermentation happen in up to 30 000 bottles lying in waiting. It is the only bubbly house with a maturation cellar which is situated in a town and not on a farm.

The spring launch is a reference to Gerrit’s student days when the first day of spring was celebrated in his university residence with a sunrise champagne

breakfast on 1 September every year.Johannesburg designer Gert-Johan Coetzee is the

newly appointed brand ambassador for this elegant Cap Classique from Franschhoek, a link they say that ties in with the bespoke, premium characteristics of this "couture" bubbly. True to its class, the bottles are not sold individually but in designer hat boxes holding five bottles each.

www.gmahrens.com

The French tricolour has been flying higher than the flags of most other wine producing countries for a very long time. However, I tend to agree with those who claim that the French have had it ‘too good for too long’.

So, how did they climb to the top of the pile? Probably by an instinctive blend of tradition and fierce local loyalties. Let’s face it, the French have a knack. They place a baguette, a piece of cheese, a few gherkins and a slice of ham on an old knife-scarred chopping board, add a glass of wine and – Voila! – a meal that looks like, and probably is, fit for a king. They don’t even need a creative consultant, it just happens; it’s all there waiting for the photographer from ‘Haute Cuisine’. Others try, but without the same panache.

Other countries though are benefiting from those who want a change, a diversion from their traditional source of wines. While we (nearly) all accept that France produces some of the world’s best and that other countries are guided by the French, ‘other countries’ are now offering great alternatives.

‘A change is as good as a holiday’, so the saying goes. Change is luring traditionalists towards not only new world wines but also towards wines from France’s neighbours. Priorat in Spain appears to be the new kid on the block. Not far inland and a little west of Barcelona this region is in the heart of Tarragona. The red wines are full bodied, almost to the extreme, but are rated highly. The area has attracted South African winemakers to explore its potential.

We have all heard of the Tuscan Chiantis and the ‘vino nobile de Montepulciano’, but focus is moving south to neighbouring Umbria and their magnificent Sagrantino wines – Sagrantino Secco and Passito (dry and sweet-ish). Wines of Arnaldo Caprai at Montefalco are in international demand. Senor

Caprai is also the mayor of Montefalco (mountain of falcons) and a well-respected public figure. This is important if we consider that a top class curriculum vitae and a seriously clean family history all go towards establishing classical wine brands. Rothchilds, Gaja and Mondavi come to mind.

The converse is not necessarily true even if some skeletons are found in some cupboards. Short cuts to financial gain do surface in the media occasionally. Take for example the 1984 Austrian wine scandal where wines were artificially sweetened by the addition of anti-freeze (glycolate). Countless bottles were pulled from the shelves of countless merchants and the Austrian industry took years to recover. Closer to home, who remembers when a large supply of French Moët & Chandon Champagne labels was found in a Stellenbosch warehouse. Nice try.

When all is said and done though, the French deserve more bouquets than brickbats. They still offer some of the best available, but perhaps they should look over their shoulder to see who is catching up.

Cellar ChatMark Tanner

Albert Ahrens, Gert-Johan Coetzee and Gerrit Maritz


Cashing in…C1p3l3: Half & Half not Hal& Half

Lynx awarded top Viognier at the SA Terroir Awards

The Lynx Viognier 2014 won the National Top Viognier Award at the recent Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards 2015.

The SA Terroir Wine Awards were founded ten years ago to acknowledge wines which truly represent a specific wine terroir. Only wines certified as wines of origin single vineyard, estate-produced, wards or small districts not divided into wards, may take part. This makes it one of the most exclusive wine competitions in the world and boasts a relatively high number of entries.

This year’s judges were Andrea Freeborough, Charl Theron, David Biggs, Duimpie Bayly, Karen Glanfield, Pierre Marais and Samarie Smith. They are all experienced wine tasters of many wines from different terroirs.

The Lynx Viognier 2014 is a certified estate wine with all the grapes coming from the small vineyard just outside Franschhoek. Roughly 60% the grapes were fermented in and then aged in oak barrels for 6 months, and the

balance in a stainless steel tank. After 6 months the 2 components are blended and then bottled. Helgard van Schalkwyk, Winemaker at Lynx Wines says: “We make the 2 components partly because we don’t want to end up with an overly oaked wine, but also because the stainless steel portion beautifully brings out the fresh fruit and floral characteristics that are typical of Viognier, and maybe more importantly because it preserves the true expression of our terroir – and I believe it is this that won us this award.”

Viognier is a grape varietal that started making a comeback about 10 years ago. In the late 19th century it was almost wiped out by the phylloxera epidemic and as recent as the mid-1960s it was still considered almost extinct. Nowadays there are close to 100 Viogniers in South Africa and it is often used in white blends; interestingly it is often blended with red varietals too, particularly Shiraz.

Lynx winemaker Helgard van Schalkwyk received the coveted national award at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards 2015.


MAKE

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

HAPPEN

Amazing things happen when

you partner with Nedbank.

Email us today at

[email protected].

Remember that moment you wanted to give up.

When growing your business beyond borders stood still.

You realised you didn’t have the knowhow to conquer

trading into uncertain territories.

So you sought guidance from someone

who knew the ins and outs of global trade.

Someone whose fl exible and personalised solutions met

your import and export needs.

Making sure that your journey of expansion

was an easy and risk-free undertaking.

For some, expansion has plateaued. But not for you.

Our global trade solutions o er you:• An extensive network of international and correspondent banking relationships.

• An e� cient centralised processing model with dedicated business managers in major metropolitan areas.

• Sophisticated payment and trade solutions.• Paying and receiving of proceeds in all major currencies.

Nedbank’s cutting-edge global trade solutions

will take your business to new terrain.

#ThingsThatReallyMatter Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised fi nancial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

13492


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

Healthy teeth, healthy heart?Taking care of your dental hygiene and health -

especially your gums - may pay you back with more than a gleaming, healthy smile and manageable dental bills. It may keep your heart healthy too. Research published in the British Medical Journal has shown that people who never or rarely brush their teeth are 70% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who brush twice a day.

While the link between oral health and heart disease is still inconclusive, experts do agree that there are plausible reasons why dental health and heart health may be connected.

It is widely believed that there is a connection between blood clots in the heart and gum disease due to the build-up of fatty deposits on the lining of the artery walls. It has also been suggested that bacteria found in the gaps around the teeth can pass into the bloodstream. These react with plaque build-up in the arteries, affecting the heart. Gum disease doesn’t just signal inflammation, it also increases inflammation and, interestingly, the same bacteria that colonize our gums have been found in arterial-wall plaque.

So can preventing periodontal disease with brushing and flossing prevent heart disease? The evidence isn’t clear yet, but it’s intriguing. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. Studies found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

Jeremy Yatt of Fedhealth says the reality is that heart disease can be hard to catch early, because many of the conditions that precede it may have no symptoms. “You won’t ever feel your arteries hardening or your cholesterol rising but you might notice bleeding or painful gums,” he says.

Yatt says, “It is important for people worried about heart disease to pay attention to the established risk factors. “People shouldn’t think that if they just started to brush their teeth more they could go back to smoking or ignore their diabetes. If you’re at risk of heart disease you need to make some lifestyle changes. Lose weight if you’re overweight; eat healthy foods; exercise regularly and control any conditions that increase risk, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.”

Gum disease often goes unnoticed. Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:

Red, tender, swollen gums; Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing; Gums that seem to be pulling from your teeth; Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth; Teeth that are loose or separating from each other.

Yatt adds, “While regular dental exams and cleanings are important, you can play a major role in preventing gum disease every day. The best way to be proactive in maintaining your oral and overall health is by going for regular check-ups, getting professional cleanings, and regular brushing and flossing.”

“Taking care of your oral health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all contribute to a healthy heart and mouth,” concludes Yatt.


Escape the ordina ry

Dine with the best views ofFranschhoek at Mont Rochelle

Beat the winter blues and join us for a glass (or two) of wine

whilst enjoying great food from our two restaurants, Miko and

The Country Kitchen.

Miko is the perfect place to get the family together for a celebration

or a well-deserved catch-up with friends. For something a little

more casual try our deli-style menu at The Country Kitchen situated

next to our winery.

B O O K A T A B L E

+27 (0)21 876 2770 [email protected]

www.montrochelle.virgin.com

Two course set lunch menu including a complimentary

glass of Mont Rochelle Artemis red or white wine at Miko.

Available from R225 per person from Monday to Friday

throughout September and October.

You can also enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast at Miko

including all the trimmings served every week from R155

per person.

S P E C I A L O F F E R S

Treating burns – the do’s and don’tsDid you know that one in eight households have a

cooking fire each year and that more fires start in the kitchen than in any part of the home? Most of these fires are caused by unattended food on the stove.

Burns can be very painful and it is important to be able to distinguish between what is considered a minor burn and a major or serious burn. It is a good idea for everyone in the household to know the fundamentals of what to do in the event of a burn accident. Fedhealth offers the following useful guidelines:

1st-degree burn: This means only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red and there is often swelling and pain sometimes is present. First degree burns are considered minor burns unless they involve substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint. If this is the case call for or get emergency medical attention.

2nd-degree burn: Here the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned. You will know this because blisters will develop and the skin will take on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. There will also be severe pain and swelling. Second-degree burns no larger than 7 centimetres in diameter are also classified as minor burns. However, if the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

3rd-degree burn: This is the most serious kind of burn and involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn. This is a serious burn, call for or get emergency medical help.

Treating minor burns:Cool the burn. Hold the burnt area under cool (not

cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If you do not have running water you can submerge the burnt area in cool water or cool it with

cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Do not put ice on the burn.

Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. Avoid using fluffy cotton or other material – you do not want lint in the wound.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). (Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. It is better to talk to your doctor if you have concerns.)

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. There may be some discolouration on the burnt area,

however, if the pain increases or redness, fever, swelling or oozing occur this means it has become infected and you should seek medical help.

Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old as this can cause more extensive discolouring or pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Knowing what not to do with a burn is almost as important as knowing what to do. Different levels of burns often need to be treated differently. For instance, submerging a minor burn under cool water is good, however, doing this to a severe burn could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).

Do not use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.

Do not apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.

Do not break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.

Do not remove burnt clothing. However, make sure the burn victim is no longer in contact with smouldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.

French Corner Fun Run

The inaugural event of the French Corner Fun Run, in aid of the ACVV Franschhoek, took place on 8 November 2014. This year’s event is scheduled for 21 November and promises to be bigger and better than last year.

The event kicks off at 07h00 with the 10km run followed by the 5km run/walk. The 10km traverses the farms of Grande Provence, Mont Rochelle and La Couronne. Staff from the farms will have some fun and assist at the water tables. Kaap Agri is also joining in the fun of assisting with a water table.

The French Corner Run has the cooperation of the Stellenbosch Municipality. Traffic control, fire and law enforcement officials will be deployed in the interest of everyone’s safety. It is very much an event put on by the locals. It is sponsored by local businesses who have again committed to this year’s event and marshals, officials and other helpers are volunteers from the community. Franschhoek Wine Valley (www.franschhoek.org.za) supports the event and the independent Franschhoek at your fingertips website (www.franschhoek.co.za) is also advertising it.

We would like to already thank the following local businesses that are contributing to the realisation of the

event: Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyards, Sotheby’s, Kaap-Agri, BP Garage, La Couronne, Grande Provence, Franschhoek Vrugtepakkers and Le Quartier Français. We’re sure many more will join the list!

This year the organisers have decided to offer some monetary prizes, as well as medals for all competitors.

For enquiries contact Riana at the ACVV office on 021 876 2670


CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT KIDDIES PARTY, OFFICE FUNCTION & PRIVATE HOUSE FUNCTION

FULL LIQUOR LICENSE, IN AND OUTDOOR SUPERVISED KIDS AREA & FREE WI-FI

MONDAY (Closed) | Tuesday – saTurday (8am – 6pm) | SUNDAY (8am – 4pm)Place Vendome Lifestyle Centre | 13 Main Road | Franschhoek | 021 876 3556

Like us on Facebook and get a free coffee!

ON OFFER FRESH DAILY• Choice hand cut meats• Organic Meat• Selected Cold meats• Selected handmade cheeses• Fresh Bread & Buns baked daily• “Sweet Delicatessens” • Gluten free bread• Freshly prepared “Take Home” meals daily• Bottled Salads• A wide selection of Balsamic Reductions & Sauces• Variety of Platters - ORDER BASIS ONLY

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & TAKE HOME MENU:• Vegetarian

• Banting

• Gluten Free

MENU

DELI/ RESTAURANT RE-OPENING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

EMMARENTIA jOEY

OPENING 1 SEPTEMBER!

A Christopher Duigan / Music Revival Production

Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November

A series of concerts in the historic NG Church and Café Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine.

Visit www.franschhoekclassic.co.za for full programme details.

Mexican guitarist Morgan Symanski joins James Grace in ‘Two Guitars’ at the Marriott

Classic Music Festival in Franschhoek.


Giordano’s big stepSaturday, 5 September, is going to be a significant

day for Franschhoek lad Giordano Lupini who steps up from kart racing to the big track as he makes his main circuit debut driving a Volkswagen Golf in Class C of the WP GTI Challenge series at Killarney at the tender age of 14 years old.

Bridge House School grade 9 scholar Giordano, who has raced karts with some success at national level since 2010, also has the distinction of probably being SA’s first fourth generation racer. Giordano is sponsored by Franschhoek concerns Taki’s Place, La Vie de Luc, CIR Construction, La Couronne Estate,

DWT Transport and AutoWeek newspaper. He will continue in karting alongside his main circuit activities for the rest of the year.

Blown AwayMagnificent McLaren

650S breaks records, resets perceptions

Every now and then a car comes along that resets the rulebook and brings a fresh understanding of driving’s ultimates. Days like this are a great thrill and I was pretty pumped to finally take a Macca properly by the throat…

First impression is how good the gearbox is – it does everything for you until you override it. Then it quickly reverts to auto when you don’t need it – clever. It was already clear that this was going to be a very good day.

I left it all auto as I trundled through the Cape morning traffic, but soon reached the plains, where 650S’s fabulous blend of simplicity to drive and a mountainous ability was fast proving astonishing.

Performance is of course outer-worldly – 485kW and 678Nm at a ton and a half all-in makes for hypnotic progress. Never mind that splendid launch logic. Stop the car, press Launch, flatten the throttle and release brake and somehow it finds ultimate traction to deliver mind-bending acceleration. Yes, you do feel your brain move.

New road test records set, I swanned into the village to refuel and thrill all and sundry. The roof drops in 17 seconds to really tart it up and those doors bring the cameras out by the dozen.

Done with posturing, we headed for the hills. There you must be more than aware of its pace, but 650S

is made for the driver like a special scalpel is for the neurosurgeon’s hand. It’s as close to perfectly poised as you can wish for in this day and age – point-precise, its sublime chassis balanced by a gruff V8, which explodes from a turbo whoosh into a wonderful wail punctuated only by the scream of carbon-clamped retardation. 650S turns in and responds to steering as though it’s hard-linked to your brain.

It was wet on the other side of the pass, but still 650S remained impeccably manageable and driveable. There may be monster power and torque on lightweight tap, but it’s linear and understandable – almost intelligent in its delivery – and 650S puts it down impeccably.

The drive driven, we turned back to the city and yes, it certainly had been a perfect day.

Mini Figures, Bijoux Square60 Huguenot Street,Franschhoek, 7690

Online Store www.mini-figures.co.za

Toy ShopWe stock Lego Compatable

Mini Figures

Tatler MotoringMichele Lupini

Ima

ge

: Gio

rda

no

Lu

pin

i

Giordano Lupini in action at Killarney.

Driving the McLaren 650S sets the tone for a perfect day.


Good car maintenance now more important than ever

With reports indicating a drop in new car sales, now is the time to ensure you keep up-to-date with regular maintenance services, believes Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

The reality is that many South Africans are feeling financially strained and buying a new car is not a priority. “If buying a new car isn’t a priority then ensuring your current vehicle is properly maintained should be,” says Mc Master.

“Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your car and will result in a better resale price at the end of the day. It is also a cost saver as regular servicing will help you pick up smaller repairs early enough to prevent more serious and costly faults occurring further down the line.”

He advises motorists to keep a close eye on the car’s manual and schedule maintenance accordingly. “Even better, set a recurring reminder on your phone to alert you to get your vehicle checked annually. Keeping up with your car’s recommended maintenance schedule can help avoid costly problems with your cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components.”

Motorists should also ensure their car is serviced by a reputable workshop that only uses quality oil, fluids and parts. “While it might sound like an attractive option to service your car as cheaply as possible, the financial implications in the long run will outweigh the apparent short term benefit. It’s never wise to scrimp on your car’s maintenance costs.”

In addition to regular maintenance there are a number of other things motorists can do to extend a car’s life. Motorists should regularly check the level of fluids in their vehicles, such as the antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. “Even if your car doesn’t leak fluids, it can develop a leak quite quickly which results in a dangerously low level of fluids. It’s also important to change the oil regularly as this will improve your mileage and protect your engine. To find the recommended mileage between oil changes check your vehicle’s service manual – if still unsure consult with an accredited MIWA workshop. It’s important to change the oil filter as well – there is no sense in putting clean oil through a dirty filter, and filters are cheap and available at any parts stores,” says Mc Master.

He also advises motorists to monitor the thickness of their vehicle’s brake pad to prevent the pads from wearing down to metal. He advises against fitting cheap, substandard brake pads as these, apart from

having a poor service life, often do not fit into the brake calliper as they should and in many instances contribute to calliper damage and even brake failure.

Another tip to make the brakes last longer, is to use the hand brake where possible, he says. “Even if you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your hand brake regularly, especially if you’re parked on an incline. It helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and assists the cables and moving parts to stay operative in the event of emergency use.”

Furthermore, inspect your tyres often. Ensure that the wheel geometry is always correct by regularly monitoring the wear pattern and have it attended to when an odd wear pattern is noticed, thus extending the life of the tyres. Generally, with modern tyre technology, tyres are no longer rotated. Seek expert advice from the local tyre dealer to ensure that you are kept informed regarding your particular make of tyre. “You also need to check your tyre pressure regularly. Proper tyre inflation will help the tyres handle better and last longer, and it will help you get the most out of a tank of petrol.”

But most of all, don’t ignore small problems, advises Mc Master. “Pay close attention to your vehicle’s noises and also to its warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that’s loose. Ignoring a problem only allows it to get worse, and parts for aging vehicles are often difficult to find.”


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 an annual fee of R100.

We do not have a speaker for this coming month, but come and join us for a social get-together on Monday 7 September.

Our speaker for Monday 5 October is Mark Tanner, who will talk about “Americans”.

If you would like to join us please contact the secretary Julie Mitchell on 083 303 333 5 or email [email protected]

On 11 August a tremendous milestone was marked, not only for Rotary, but for the African continent: one full year without a single case of polio caused by the wild poliovirus in Africa.

The magnitude of this achievement can hardly be overstated. A polio-free Africa has been within sight, so near and yet so far, for over a decade. The hard work and commitment that have brought us to this point have been nothing short of heroic. Tens of thousands of health workers reached hundreds of millions of children with vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Together, we have done what once seemed impossible: We have stopped polio in Africa.

Yet this progress, momentous as it is, is still fragile. As long as polio exists in the two remaining endemic

countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the virus still has the potential to spread and to spark new outbreaks. Now, more than ever, we need the power of all of Rotary to carry us through to the end: not just a polio-free Africa, but a polio-free world.

Wherever you live, whether your country has just conquered polio or has been polio-free for decades, we need your voice, and your help. We need every Rotarian, in every Rotary club, to be talking about polio: making sure that media outlets report on our progress and our elected officials see polio eradication as a global priority. Your grassroots work helps drive the increased media coverage we have seen in the past year, which in turn drives global backing of our work to eradicate polio. Together, we will keep polio front and centre in our communities and on our national agendas, keeping up the energy and the momentum that will push us through to the finish.

The battle in Africa has, for the moment, been won, but we need the strength of every Rotarian to help us win the war. Together, we will End Polio Now and truly Be a Gift to the World.

ACVV Franschhoek welcomes our new fundraiser, Riana Pretorius. She will be a kingpin at ACVV, as fundraising is a fundamental requirement at offices such as ours. Funding for the running of our office is generated through state subsidy, fundraising, donations and grants.

Riana will be raising funds for various necessities. We are happy to announce that Project Papillon has been formed – Papillon is French for Butterfly. We want to give our children proverbial wings… There is great need for emergency aid for children in the community and ACVV assesses and assists as far as possible. Emergency aid includes food parcels, police clearance fees for foster parents, transport fees, court fees, crèche fees, clothing and shoes for children and so much more. We do have great need for clothing and shoes for children, so if you have any forgotten in a cupboard, please bring it to the ACVV office at 17 La Provence Street, Groendal. Contact Riana Pretorius on 021 876 2670 if you would like to get involved in any manner to assist us in assisting those in need.

A big thank you to all donors who have contributed already! It does not go unnoticed. Many hearts have been touched by your kind gesture.

The inaugural FRENCH CORNER FUN RUN, in aid of the ACVV Franschhoek, took place on 8 November 2014. This year’s event is scheduled for 21 November and promises to be bigger and better than last year’s. Following the success of last year’s event the organisers have decided to offer monetary prizes, as well as medals for all competitors. To enter,

see www.frenchcornerfunrun.co.za for details. See you there!

* * *ACVV Franschhoek verwelkom ons nuwe

fondsinsamelaar, Riana Pretorius, ‘n ou bekende by die ACVV. Sy sal ‘n kernfiguur hier wees aangesien fondsinsameling ‘n fundamentele vereiste is by hierdie kantoor. Fondse vir die bedryf van ons kantoor word gegenereer uit staatsubsidie, fondsinsameling, donasies en skenkings.

Riana sal fondse insamel vir verskeie noodsaaklikhede. Ons is gelukkig om aan te kondig dat Projek Papillon gestig is – Papillon is Frans vir Skoenlapper. Ons wil ons kinders spreekwoordelik vlerkies gee... Daar is ‘n groot behoefte vir nood hulp vanuit ons gemeenskap en ACVV evalueer en help waar moontlik. Nood hulp sluit in: kospakkies, polisieklaringsfooie vir pleegouers, vervoerfooie, hoffooie, crèche fooie, klere en skoene vir kinders, en soveel meer. Ons het ‘n groot behoefte aan klere en skoene vir kinders, so as daar vergete kledingstukke lê in ‹n kas, bring dit asseblief na die ACVV kantoor by La Provencestraat 17, Groendal. Kontak Riana Pretorius by 021 876 2670 sou u op enige manier betrokke wou raak om ons te help om dié te help wat in nood verkeer.

‘n Groot dankie aan alle donateurs wat reeds bygedra het! Dit gaan nie ongesiens verby nie. Vele harte was al aangeraak deur jul vriendelike gebaar.

Die eerste FRENCH CORNER PRETLOOP, ten bate van die ACVV Franschhoek, het plaasgevind op 8 November 2014. Hierdie jaar se byeenkoms is geskeduleer vir 21 November en beloof om groter en beter te wees as verlede jaar! Na die sukses van verlede jaar se byeenkoms het die organiseerders besluit om geldpryse, sowel as medaljes vir al die deelnemers aan te bied. Om in te skryf, sien www.frenchcornerfunrun.co.za vir meer besonderhede. Sien julle daar!

Opwaarts en voorwaarts tot volgende keer!Upward and onward until next time!

Christmas in July for Fleur de LisFranschhoek residents love to have a good party

while supporting our local charities. What better season for a party than a traditional Christmas in July celebration with all the trimmings. So it was that on Saturday evening, 25 July, Joe and Shirley Kilian’s home was transformed into a magical setting with décor by Event Interiors.

The Christmas Elves were hard at work all week, decorating, cooking and planning.

Dinner included all the traditional dishes produced with an elegant flare by Chef Shirley Kilian – duck liver parfait, stuffed turkeys, glazed ham, roasted potatoes, mince meat pies and flaming Christmas pudding. Kudos to the Chef and the Kitchen Elves! The meal was accompanied by some of the best wines produced in our valley: Boukenhoutskloof , Lynx, Franschhoek Pass and Anthonij Rupert.

Entertainment was provided by Uncorked (aka Corksoakers) who had the place rocking! This is a group normally known for the work they do in their day jobs: Rowan Smith on keyboard, Nick Davies on banjo, Matthew Gordon on drums, Reg Lascaris on guitar, Lusapho Mtyhobile on bass and Doug Gurr doing vocals. The group was also accompanied by the Gordon’s young daughter, Kate, on tambourine. By the end of the evening everyone was dancing to the music.

All food for the evening was generously donated by local merchants including Pick n Pay, Mrs. Mostert, Wild Peacock and Goede Hoop Meats.

Auction prizes included four nights at Wildnerness Rocktail Beach Camp, two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush lodge, a gas grill from Weber, a 6.5kva Talon generator donated by Creative Equipment, a weekend at Robertson Small Hotel and dinner at Reubens, Lunch at La Residence, an evening at the Flagship Hotel in Simon’s Town and lunch at the Chef ’s Table, a gift voucher from Franschhoek Skin Care Clinic, a beautiful Kurt Pio oil painting from Ebony, foraging lessons with Chris Erasmus and lunch at Foliage, a visit to the Franschhoek Motor Museum followed by wine tasting and lunch including transportation in a vintage

automobile from the collection. There was also jewelry from Christoff and Tiffany, a sculpture from Just Rock and wine from La Spinetta, Franschhoek Pass Winery, Boukenhoutskloof, Anthonij Rupert and Lynx.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of merchants and guests alike, a total of R170 000 was raised for Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged. Because everything was donated for this event, 100% of proceeds go directly to the charity.

The linoleum floor in the Home is original to the building from 1969 and can now be replaced with non-slip tiles throughout the home. Additionally, Fleur de Lis’ kitchen equipment will be upgraded and supplemented as they continue to provide healthy meals for the 40 residents of the home.

The celebration continued on Wednesday, 29 July with a delicious lunch provided for Fleur de Lis residents by Shirley and the team of Christmas Elves. An excellent way to celebrate Christmas in July!

Thank you, thank you to everyone who made this magical evening possible – the generous donors, the guests and especially the Christmas in July Elves!

Midyear Christmas cheer for Sunflower Fund

On a chilly winter’s morning in July Vrede en Lust Wine Estate was bedecked with glitter balls, Christmas trees and mistletoe. Unlike the weather the ambience was warm with friends and family gathered for a morning of fun, caring and sharing for a good cause.

The Sunflower Fund hosted a successful Christmas in July event in with celebrity chef Jenny Morris as the MC. Ladies were spoiled with a delicious brunch, Vrede en Lust wine, warm beverages and a lovely Christmas goodie bag on arrival. Desray Fashions dazzled the women with an exhibition of clothing that the everyday woman can wear, Sisley Skin Care talked about skin care, Dr Darren Green serenaded the ladies, while Janine le Roux spoke about how the

proceeds of the day would be spent. The Sunflower Fund wishes to thank Vrede en

Lust Wine Estate, for their very generous donation towards the event, as well as Desray Clothing, Sisley and all other sponsors who donated generously to make the event possible.

All proceeds generated from the event will be used to pay for tissue typing costs of potential bone marrow stem cell donors to help those diagnosed with leukaemia and other blood related disorders.

For more information on how to “Share a Little to Save a Life” visit the Sunflower Fund website or contact their toll free line.

www.sunflowerfund.org.za | 0800 12 10 82

Midyear Christmas Cheer Janine le Roux, Helet Borchadt, Warren Vernon-Driscol, Jenny Morris

Probus ClubJulie Mitchell

Rotary NewsK.R. Ravindran

Fleur de Lis NewsLinda Hightower

Some of the Christmas Elves. FLTR: Linda Hightower, Rosemarie Evans, Jacquie Knights, Tracey Kirsten, Seon

Kilian and Shirley Kilian (seated).

ACVV NewsRonelle Pinard

Museum onthaal senior dames

Die personeel van die Hugenote Gedenkmuseum het op Woensdag, 12 Augustus, ‘n groep van die vallei se senior dames onthaal ter viering van Vrouedag.

‘n Kleurvol gedekte tafel oorlaai met keurig voorbereide eetgoed het die dames met hulle aankoms begroet. Baie van die dames ken mekaar reeds jare lank en dit was nie lank voordat die klank van vriendelike gesels en lag weerklink het nie soos stories van toeka onthou is. Daar is omtrent weggelê aan soetighede en soutighede, terwyl tee en vrugtesap gekeer het dat die kele uitdroog van al die lekker gesels.

Die groep het aandagtig geluister toe Mev Sterna Hugo hulle oor ‘Vrouwees’ toegespreek het . Om die dag nog meer spesiaal te maak het die dames

elkeen ook ‘n geskenk ontvang – ‘n paar sagte, warm bedsokkies wat die museumdames self gebrei het.

Die Hugenote Gedenkmuseum bedank graag die volgende besighede en individue vir hulle bydraes tot die viering: Montagu Dried Fruit, Huguenot Fine Chocolates, Auberge Chocolates, Mecedi Davids, Marlene Williams, Olivia Boonzaaier Oude Slavenhuis Restaurant, Lena Hoffman, La Petite Ferme Restaurant, Essence Restaurant, Franschhoek Link Apteek, Cafe Bon Bon Restaurant, BICCCS, Pick n Pay, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guesthouse, Leopard’s Leap Restaurant, Les Fleurs Blomme, Maggie Daniels, Gladys Jaftha en Trevor Jefthas vir die vervoer van die dames.


Franschhoek Uncorked

Be sure to visit Franschhoek as the wineries open their doors to #Braai4Heritagefhk at the annual Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, 26 to 27 September.

What better way to celebrate your heritage than over a glass of newly released Franschhoek wines paired with delicious food cooked over an open flame as Franschhoek prepares to Braai4Heritage.

Don’t miss out on special festival offerings – the perfect excuse to stock up on wine for the upcoming festive season!

Your Uncorked Weekend Pass, which costs R120 per person, allows you access to the participating farms as well as a complimentary tasting glass and free wine tastings. Pre-book through www.webtickets.co.za to avoid disappointment.

For more info contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861 or visit www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za for further details and a list of participating farms. For regular updates follow us on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA.

Dear ReadersIn the mid-1980s the then Franschhoek Town

Council gave the go-ahead for a development that would have changed the face of Franschhoek irrevocably. The development in question was a retirement village on agricultural land stretching from Cabrière Street to the Franschhoek River.

The outcry from residents was such that only two houses were ever built and the development was stopped in its tracks. The repercussions went beyond that though as this experience led concerned residents to form the Franschhoek Trust in 1986 to protect Franschhoek’s special attributes and heritage. In the following local government elections that, back then, were still contested on an apolitical basis candidates supported by the Trust won the majority of council seats. This in turn led to the formation of the Franschhoek Aesthetics Committee to vet all future development applications. Backed by a sympathetic council the system worked well for more than a decade.

Institutional changes associated with the end of apartheid – especially the amalgamation of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Municipalities – and the arrival of well-funded outside property developers, often with scant regard for ‘the goose that lays the golden eggs’ combined to substantially unravel the system that had previously protected Franschhoek’s unique charm. Significantly the previously independent Franschhoek Aesthetics Committee was replaced by a toothless Planning Advisory Committee chaired by a municipal official and planning was centralised in Stellenbosch where most officials seemed to have scant knowledge of Franschhoek.

The situation was not helped either by what is still perceived as a very permissive planning department prone to blunders (for whatever reasons) and the near absence of enforcement of conditions attached to building approvals and related by-laws. Admittedly very often enforcement actions, such as stop work orders, are simply ignored – with no apparent consequences for transgressors.

It is against this background that I believe one should judge the new boutique hotel that has arisen behind Allora Restaurant over the past few months. How any planner, architect or property developer could think that this huge, monolithic structure on stilts constitutes a positive contribution to its neighbourhood or the village is entirely beyond me. In the days of the aesthetics committee such

a proposal would have been laughed out of the room, but alas… there it stands (with municipal approval) – overshadowing everything else in sight. Great architecture for the airport approach road, but Franschhoek’s historic core?

The question now is “Are we going to learn a lesson from this monstrous blunder that we are going to have to live with for the foreseeable future and, if so, what action will flow from that lesson?”

My experience of Franschhoek over the past two decades (and I’ve been here much longer than that!) is that there are many people who have much to say, but very few who will do anything – unless their direct interests are threatened. That, in my view, explains why our ratepayers association collapsed and has to be kept on life support by the Franschhoek Trust, which faces its own challenges.

I suppose that even some personal interest-driven interest is better than absolutely no interest in village and valley affairs, but it is far from sufficient if the broader long-term interests of the community are at stake – the ‘goose that lays the golden eggs’ type of issues.

By now the municipality knows that they blundered in approving that hotel (the same applies to several other property developments), but they are hardly motivated to correct the problems they created – which is perfectly within their power – if nobody is going to, proverbially, hold their feet to the fire.

So how does one then protect the special qualities of our village and valley against a blundering planning department and self-interested developers? The generic answer would be through an active citizenry – something we sadly don’t currently have.

Does this mean the valley is doomed to always be on the receiving side of planning blunders and egotistic interests? I don’t think the situation is quite that dire, but the range of possible solutions includes no cakewalks either.

I believe that any effective solution to this challenge will have to balance two requirements – active citizens and funding. The more active citizens there are who are willing to do the hard work involved (and it is hard work, not just attending the occasional meeting) the less funding is required. On the other hand, the fewer active citizens there are the more funding is required as others (lawyers, planners, etc.) have to be paid to do work that active citizens can sometimes do themselves.

My ideal solution? An endowment administered by a group of the eminences grises of our valley that can be used not only to counter bad planning decisions, but also to develop detailed planning frameworks that allow for sensitive development and promote the cultural and natural assets of our valley.

Will I ever get to see that? I’m not holding my breath!

Until next month

Editor’s LetterSiegfried Schäfer

FWV NewsJenny Prinsloo

Deadlines - October 2015 Issue: Ad Bookings: 15 September 2015 Artwork: 17 September 2015 Editorial: 15 September 2015

Healing your past, releasing your future

This is the title of a conference to be held at the Dutch Reformed Church 19 – 22 September 2015. The reason for offering it is that there cannot be a more necessary thing in our country than that the people of this land get healed.

Frank and Catherine Fabiano, both qualified child Psychologists, found that when they combined the emerging new insights being discovered about human development with biblical principles amazing changes happened in the lives of the individuals who came to them. For over 20 years they have used this course in many countries with great effect.

Catherine, (Frank died a couple of years ago,) will

be teaching this course, and as many as can fit into the church are welcome.

The conference will be free and there is also some free accommodation offered.

Grace, Jane and Helen, who have attended this conference in Hong Kong, and seen the great and lasting help it has been to so many are part of the group putting the conference together.

Details can be obtained from Helen at [email protected] Tel 021 876 2557 and Jane on [email protected] or on Cell 083 654 8870.

Although this is free, registration needs to happen for catering purposes etc. Please email Jane on [email protected] or at [email protected].

Wine lovers can’t wait for Franschhoek Uncorked to taste all the latest vintages.

SCORE corporate soccer tournamentSCORE, the operators of the Franschhoek Valley

Community Sports Centre, staged a five-a-side corporate soccer tournament on Saturday, 1 August.

Seven teams participated in the tournament. Boekenhoutskloof had three teams representing them; two from Franschhoek and one from Stellenbosch. The other teams represented The Villas at Le Franschhoek, BP Garage and La Petite Ferme. SCORE staff also made up a team.

La Petite Ferme’s team the Super Kickers beat the BP Stars by three goals to one in the final to become the first holders of the Corporate Soccer Tournament trophy.

According to organiser, James O’Grady, it was a fantastic day for the centre and for all involved with all the teams playing with huge amounts of sportsmanship and good spirit. The sports centre is already looking at when they can stage the next tournament.

www.score.org.za The Super Kickers won the SCORE

5-a-side soccer tournament

FLF Collection

Exciting new additions to the FLF Collection in the village library include two powerful childhood memoirs, Redi Tlhabi’s Endings & Beginnings and McIntosh Polela’s My Father, My Monster. For inspiration, read Barack Obama’s Dreams From my Father and Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. And there’s deep history in Jacob Dlamini’s Askari, the Alan Paton Award winner for 2015. For a full list of the books in the Collection, email Jenny at [email protected].


Contracts – Leave no shadow of a doubt

Contracts should always contain a “non-variation” clause providing that no variation of the agreement is of any force or effect unless it is in writing and is signed by all parties.

A recent High Court case resulting from a property dispute shows why.

A restaurant owner, who rented premises in terms of a lease agreement containing a standard non-variation clause, fell on hard times and ran up rental arrears. The landlord cancelled the lease and gave written notice to the tenant to vacate the premises. When the tenant refused to vacate, the landlord asked the Court for an eviction order. The tenant’s defence was that it had verbally agreed with the landlord to pay a reduced rental (set at 25% of daily takings), that it had complied with this alleged “compromise agreement”, and that it should not therefore be evicted. It argued (citing public policy considerations amongst other legal principles) that an oral agreement should suffice in the particular circumstances.

But to no avail. Commenting that when parties to a contract impose restrictions on their own powers to vary the contract “they do so to achieve certainty and avoid later disputes”, the Court granted the eviction order and gave the tenant 5 days to vacate the premises.

Protect your positionA non-variation clause, worded correctly to suit

your particular needs, is essential. Without it, you could end up arguing endlessly (and expensively) in a succession of courts about who agreed what, with whom, and when.

Comply strictly with the clause, no matter how great the temptation may be to accept verbal undertakings and agreements from the other party. This is a case where compliance with formalities is essential.

Even if by some mischance your agreement allows verbal amendment or cancellation, still reduce everything to writing to avoid uncertainty and dispute down the line.

Also beware of electronic amendments. (This article first appeared in LawDotNews and

is reproduced with permission from the copyright holder DotNews and from Falck Attorneys.)

Context is CriticalOften, maybe even always, when we speak about

leadership we focus on the leader; on behaviour; on the individual; on leadership characteristics.

Of course this is helpful as it can act as a lodestone for our own behaviour and aspirations; and maybe also as a benchmark by which to measure the behavioural performance of the leader with whom we have contact, or whose leadership impacts our lives.

But this is not the whole story by any stretch of the imagination.

Leaders act in a context whether they are aware of it, take account of it, or not.

The best leaders spend time and effort trying to understand their context and work even harder at adapting their behaviour in order to have a positive impact on it.

This is significantly easier said than done!

There are number of contextual dimensions that are important for leaders to take account of:

PoliticsThis is a crcucially

important issue. This has, of course, to do with both macro and micro politics. The political environment has a significant bearing on the stability of a society and a country and it would be foolhardy to ignore the reailities of the politics within which one must lead.

But it is not only the macro-political environment which has an impact on how the leader behaves. The micro environment often has huge impact on the life and behaviour of the leader and understanding this context is critically important.

The micro-political environment includes one’s colleagues and closest clients and advisors.

SocietyThe people in the immediate environment

have, arguably, the most impact on the psyche of the leader. It is to these people that he most often listens and with whom he most frequenly interacts. We see the consequence of that in our country and in Zimbabwe where the sycophants of Zuma and Mugabe clearly feed them what they want to hear with disastrous consequences for our countries. The best leaders insist on honest and frank feedback.

EnvironmentalAny leader that believes that he or she does

not have to pay attention to the degradation of our Planet and the consequences of that for all organisations and indeed for all of humanity is not exercising reponsible leadership.

TechnologicalTechnology moves blindingly fast and in

dramatic, discontinuous leaps that can confuse and disrupt even the best laid plans. It is difficult to keep up to speed with everything but the best leaders keep their radar firmly on any technology that may disrupt their organisation either positively or negatively.

EconomicOf all the contextual stuff this is probably the

one that features most in thke media and for which there is a confusing array of information available. The trick is to find reliable consistent sources and to stick with them while watching what goes on elsewhere.

InstitutionalEveryone everywhere is subject to the whims

of a multiplicity of institutional pressures. It is impossible to keep an eye on all but it is important to know which are the ones which will have biggest impact and to figure how to lead within that context. These insitutional influences can be as small as one’s own family or as big as the government of one’s country.

Just knowing and undrstanding these six elements of the context is confusing enough, but what the best leaders are able to do is understand the relationship between these dimensions; how they interlink, interact and influence each other to create the global context within which business must be conducted. This is no easy task, but nevertheless critical.

This is can only be achieved by continual and constant

interaction with all stakeholders and especially clients and employees. Without either of these there is no business. These two stakeholders have the most intimate coalface knowledge of the business and a wealth of wisdom concerning what makes it tick and what will work against its success.

Indeed with the continual interaction with these two most important of stakeholders, both of whom are interested in the success of the organisation, it is almost inevitable that a deep knowledge of the entire context will result anyway. At the very least they will help to identify the issues and items that need focussed attention. Once these are known much greater attention and research can be given to ensure that one does not manage and lead as if in a cocoon.

It is this isolationism from what is going on around one that often results in inappropriate decisions and actions.

Context helps to define direction. ignorance of it often defines disaster.

Employees’ Tax (PAYE)What is it?Employees’ Tax refers to the tax required to be deducted

by an employer from an employee’s remuneration paid or payable. The process of deducting or withholding tax from remuneration as it is earned by an employee is commonly referred to as PAYE.

An employer who is registered or required to register with SARS for PAYE and/or Skills Development Levy (SDL) purposes, is also required to register for payment of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

Who is it for?The amounts deducted or withheld must be paid by

the employer to SARS on a monthly basis, by completing the Monthly Employer Declaration (EMP201). The EMP201 is a payment declaration in which the employer declares the total payment together with the allocations for PAYE, SDL, UIF and/or Employment

Tax Incentive (ETI), if applicable. A unique Payment Reference Number (PRN) will be pre-populated on the EMP201 and will be used to link the actual payment with the relevant EMP201 payment declaration.

How and when should it be paid?PAYE must be paid within seven days after the end

of the month during which the amount was deducted. If the last day for payment falls on a public holiday or weekend, the payment must be made on the last business day before the public holiday or weekend.

The following payment methods are available:• eFiling • Electronic payments through the internet (EFT)• At one of the relevant approved banking institutions.

Cheque payments may not exceed R50 000. This applies irrespective of the number of tax periods being paid, or should multiple cheque payments be made.

• At a specific SARS branch, cheque payments may not exceed R50 000. This limit applies irrespective of the number of tax periods being paid, or should multiple cheque payments be made.

Note: Employers who pay, or are likely to pay Employees’ Tax exceeding R10m in any 12-month period, must submit Employees’ Tax declarations and make payments electronically.

Let the Lawyer Handle ItGraeme Falck

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

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

Financial MattersCelia McGuinness

083 447 0797 • [email protected]

FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON

Life cover • Disability/Income protection-Dread disease cover • Medical Aids/Gap

cover • Retirement Funding


Valuable VerbenasDivine and supernatural are not usually words one

would associate with a plant of any description, but Verbenas have most certainly earned those descriptions. One of their ancient uses, according to legend, included containing the blood flow out of Jesus’ wounds after he was removed from the cross, affording it the honour of names like “Holy Herb” and “Devil’s Bane”. With the Greeks dedicating this bloom to Eos Erigineia, the Titan goddess of the dawn and ancient Egyptians knowing them as “Tears of Isis”, it’s easy to see how revered verbenas were back in the olden days.

The modern day love for these annuals may no longer be necessarily divine or supernatural, but it’s for equally good reasons! They’re prolific bloomers that require as little pampering as possible and are hard as nails. Okay, not literally as hard as nails but they’re one of the hardiest annuals we’ve got, surviving easily in the dusty and sweltering sun beaten spots that usually just remain barren in our gardens throughout the year. If you’ve got some of those spots that could do with some life, plant some verbenas and watch your very own divine and supernatural transformation, from drab to glam.

Most of the 250, or thereabout, verbena species come from the Americas while some originate from parts of Europe. For a long lasting colour spectacle every year it’s best to plant them in early spring, and they’ll reward your previously bare patch with life right up until the first frosts. Verbenas have been known to pretend, quite well it has to be said, to be perennials and survive the winter to continue flowering for their second year, but their true annual colours show in their ability to deliver only about half the amount of wow they offered in the first year.

Speaking of the wow factor they offer, this will depend largely on how little care you offer them. They really don’t enjoy being pampered, which is just as well, since who wants to stand for hours supplying TLC in the most arid area of their garden? Follow these four tips, when it comes to verbenas and your neighbours will think you’ve been gardening for a lifetime already:

Plant your verbenas in a well-composted bed and when they’ve reached a height of about 15cm, give them a once off dose of fertiliser. It should be a balanced slow releasing one.

While they’re settling themselves in, water them regularly until you can see they’re healthy, happy and growing nicely. After that, it is very important to only water them when the top layer of soil, at least one centimetre deep, has dried out.

Being sun thirsty plants, verbenas need as much direct sunlight as their leaves can lay their surface area on, every day. Ideally between 8 and 10 hours will be perfect. This not only makes them happy but will also prevent any kind of disease possibilities, like powdery mildew.

Deadhead your spent blooms! For first time gardeners, that means plucking off the dead or faded blooms. It’s not a mammoth task and will make sure they offer non-stop flowering. If you notice, all of a sudden, they’ve stopped flowering and it’s because you forgot, don’t worry, just clip off the top of the stems and they’ll be blooming again in a couple of weeks. They’re forgiving like that

Total Storage 72.0%

This Time Last Year99.7% - 102.2%

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Rainfall Figures

mm/year mm/month Dam Levels

Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street for periods indicated

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

824

709

916

884

1153

1217

978

740

830

1079

1471

1033

20

11

6

11

58

166

190

20

31

37

48

106

272

462

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 17 August 2015

Steenbras Upper

Steenbras Lower

Wemmershoek

Voëlvlei

Theewaterskloof

Berg River Dam

101.4%

92.1%

71.5%

50.2%

72.4%

85.7%

RAINFALL FIGURES MEASURED AT LA COTTE / NERINA STREET mm/year 2002 1100 2003 824 2004 709 2005 916 2006 884 2007 1153 2008 1217 2009 978 2010 740 2011 830 2012 1079 2013 1471 2014 1033 mm/month 2014 2015 month cumulative month cumulativeJanuary 69 69 20 20February 5 74 11 31March 76 150 6 37April 50 200 11 48May 120 320 58 106June 260 580 166 272July 135 715 190 462August 162 877 September 64 941 October 13 954 November 72 1026 December 7 1033 DAM LEVELS AS AT 17th August 2015 101.4%

92.1%

71.5%

50.2%

72.4%

85.7%

% TOTAL STORAGE 72.0%

This time last year 99.7% - 102.2% 101.4%

Gardening in SeptemberNatie Ferreira

Plants of the MonthFrankie Brookes

Popular PetuniasThe petunias that were first discovered in the mid-

1700 to early-1800s in South America actually looked nothing like the stunners that grace our gardens today. Petunia axillaris and Petunia violacea originally had small white and purple flowers, respectively. The large colourful blooms that we can buy from our garden centres today is known as Petunia x hybrida.

Petunia grandiflora has large flowers requiring regular deadheading to keep the blooms coming and spreads vigorously so would be more suitable for garden beds. Petunia multiflora has blooms about half the size but double the quantity of grandiflora and it grows more into a mound like structure which makes it perfect for filling in dips or as borders for a garden bed. Petunia milliflora has very small flowers but it is prolific in nature. It is a neat, compact plant which makes it a winner for container planting.

When it comes to planting make sure that your soil drains well and your Petunias get to bask in the sun for most of the day. Petunias are not particularly thirsty, so without making them think they’ve been relegated to the Saharan desert, let the soil dry out a bit between watering.

There is a Petunia for every season and region so there is no reason not to get down to your local accredited garden centre and pick some up. With a colour palette from blue, purple, burgundy and lavender to pink, red, yellow and white, there is no colour scheme that cannot be accommodated.

www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Spring is finally here. After what has been a colder, but drier winter than usual I look forward to the warmer days, but we can surely do with more rain. We are so blessed to live in this valley and this season just opens my eyes to all the beauty again. Apart from all the blossoms and flowering annuals around it is also worth the effort to take a hike into the mountain areas that burned during summer. The diversity of bulbs, grasses and annuals that are pushing through is simply amazing.

The looming drought and consequent water restriction should proactively affect our gardening decisions and methods. The normal rules of mulching, effective irrigation, drought resistant planting, wind protection and rain water harvesting obviously applies, but I think it is also time to think out of the box and find new ways to garden. The first thing in times of water stress is to cut down on the excessive use of nitrogenous fertilisers. Nitrogen causes flushes of soft green growth that is might seem beneficial, but in times of hot dry weather these new shoots wilt easily and then become susceptible to all sorts of pests and diseases. Making your own compost and liquid fertilisers may seem like a futile exercise, but it is the most balanced way to fertilise your garden. By utilising kitchen scraps, expired vegetables and

plants like comfrey and yarrow specifically grown for the compost heap we ensure healthy soil which leads to plants packed with the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep ourselves and the environment healthy. Liquid fertilisers applied as foliar feed acts us a fast acting tonic for sad looking plants and are an effective way to feed the garden, especially in dry times. If you do feel that your garden and especially the lawn needs feeding some balanced organic based fertilisers like Rapid Raiser and Upsurge are a good choice.

Your roses should be covered in reddish new growth by now. This is the sign that you should start with the annual feeding and spraying program. Leaf cover is of the utmost importance if you want healthy looking rose bushes and all your maintenance actions should be with this in mind. Feed small amounts of balanced fertilisers on a regular basis, spray preventatively against fungal diseases, treat against beetles, caterpillars and other defoliating pests as required and pinch back and deadhead regularly. Roses should be given a finger pruning towards the end of the month. Pinch out a third of the new shoots between thumb and forefinger. This ensures a lasting flower flush and also leads to more leaf cover.

If you are still hung up on a healthy looking lawn a top dressing with compost and sand will do wonders for a sad looking front garden. Creeping sorrel and other broad leaved weeds are normally a sign of acidic soil or an otherwise unhealthy lawn. This can often be rectified by the application of agricultural lime in spring. A good handful per square meter should do the trick.

The vegetable garden is obviously where you will spend most of your energy this month. All sorts of summer veggies can be sown now. Make an effort to find some interesting seeds and grow your own seedlings. Nursery seedlings are a fast and easy option, but we cannot shy away from the impact that the growing methods and consumables used have on the environment. Nothing beats the taste, look and satisfaction of your own tomatoes grown from seeds collected, stolen or smuggled into the country! With the warmer weather all sorts of nasties will start to make their appearance. Be especially vigilant to keep an eye out for slugs and snails.

This time of year I simply don’t have time to spend in the kitchen, but I look forward to making some strawberry jam soon.

What to Plant in SeptemberWestern Cape: Winter rainfall areas

Asparagus

Beetroot

Broad bean

Capsicum

Carrot

Cucumber

Eggplant

Endive

Horseradish

Kohlrabi

Leek

Lettuce (Cos)

Onion

Parsnip

Peas

Radish

Spinach

Squash

Swiss chard

Tomato

Turnip

DID

YOU

KNOW

?


Celebrate spring at Anthonij Rupert Estate’s Protea Party

Be sure to diarise Saturday, 26 September, if you’d like to celebrate spring at the annual Anthonij Rupert Estate Protea Party.

The setting is a marquee, erected on the lawns of the Anthonij Rupert Tasting room, where you will dine under the stars with the majestic Drakenstein Mountains as your backdrop. Be sure to make your way to the estate by 18h30 to take full advantage of the sun setting over the Franschhoek Valley while enjoying a refreshing Protea Rosé cocktail.

A harvest-style Winelands feast prepared from fresh seasonal ingredients from the Franschhoek valley follows. A variety of delicious snacks, including skewers of roasted and marinated vegetables, beef empanadas and venison carpaccio with rocket will kick off the feast. Slow-roasted pork belly takes centre stage – served with roasted apples and a variety of other delectable accompaniments.

Round off your evening at the dessert station by indulging in the scrumptious sweet treats on offer; including gourmet cupcakes as well as an ice cream

bar with all the toppings. Work off your dessert on the dance floor with live

music provided by the popular band Newton before heading home.

Tickets cost R450 per person, including food, wine and live entertainment. Booking is essential as seating is limited.

[email protected] | 021 874 9041

Sunset at the Protea Party is not to be missed.

Unlock your cooking skills at Boschendal workshop

Nail two new culinary skills just in time for summer, with the second of Boschendal’s cookery workshops taking place on Saturday, 12 September, and Sunday, 13 September. The workshops concentrate on pasta and ice cream making and will be run by Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell and his team.

Fine tune your pasta making abilities and learn to make ribbon, filled and shaped pastas using only the best ingredients. Wow your guests with a new dessert repertoire after the ice cream workshop, which includes Semi-freddo, Gelato and traditional Ice Cream.

Grab a few friends and spend the weekend at Boschendal, learn some tricks of the trade, and enjoy two informative sessions with one of the best-known chefs in the country.

Cost: Shared Accommodation @ R1 172 per person (R2 345 per couple). Single Accommodation @ R1 660

(Includes Saturday afternoon workshop and dinner in The Werf Restaurant, overnight accommodation, Sunday morning breakfast, workshop and light lunch. Leave with a Boschendal goody bag, recipe folder and some of the items produced over the weekend.)

[email protected] | 021 870 4274

Christiaan Campbell and his team produce fresh pasta daily for the various restaurants at Boschendal

and look forward to sharing their skills with keen foodies in September.

Boschendal’s farm feast celebrates SA heritage

Farm-to-table dining becomes reality at Boschendal on Heritage Day, 24 September, this year when up to 200 guests will sit down to a Farm Feast, courtesy of Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell and his team. A long table, running the length of the historic Werf, will re-create the days of old when Boschendal Farm was renowned for its hospitality and fresh produce.

The event starts at 12h00 and costs R295 per adult (Children under 12 R85 each). The price includes starter buffet, spit braai with salads and vegetables, dessert selection, live music. Kids menu at kiddies corner with carers.

For reservations contact: [email protected] or 021 870 4274

www.boschendal.co.za/events

Flyfishers to wine and dine for charity

Jonathan Boulton and family recently moved to South Africa’s Culinary Capital, Franschhoek, from quaint Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa’s Flyfishing Capitol, because of the valleys’ magnificent schools and unbeatable way of life.

Jonathan, a qualified zoologist, started his flyfishing business, Mavungana Flyfishing, in 1997. (Mavungana is Tsonga for the Malachite Kingfisher, his favourite bird.)

Mavungana Flyfishing has two retail stores; one in Sandton, Johannesburg, and the other in Dullstroom. A large part of the business is organising and hosting flyfishing trips to the most pristine and unspoilt parts of South Africa and the rest of the world. From drifting the mighty Zambezi tussling tigerfish while elephant look on, to scrapping salmon in remote Alaska, sharing the river bank with grizzly bears, Jonathan and his wife,

Sarah, have fished the world and enabled others to do so too.

On Wednesday, 30 September, they will be showcasing their flyfishing trips during a leisurely luncheon at in conjunction with Nedbank Private Wealth at The Tasting Room, Le Quartier Français. Attendees can expect breath-taking trip pictures and a culinary experience with wine in superb surroundings at R490 per person. The entire fee will be donated to Jonathan and Nedbank Private Wealth’s chosen charities; the SA Guide Dogs Association and the Anti Rhino Poaching Unit in the Kruger National Park.

If you’d like to attend please email Sarah Boulton at [email protected] to reserve your seat.

www.flyfishing.co.za

Jonathan Boulton in Alaska with a freshly-caught sockeye salmon.


H is for HawkBy Helen Macdonald, Publ: Jonathan Cape.296 pages

Stories about the relationship between a human and an animal take many forms. They can be as different as “Travels with a Donkey” by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Born Free” by Joy Adamson, “Gorillas in the Mist” by Diane Fossey and “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. Generally the books are a record of mutual affection between donkey, lioness or gorilla and the author. The notable exception is Captain Ahab, whose relation with the white whale is, quite frankly, rather adversarial.

Now we have “H is for Hawk” by Helen MacDonald which is the record of her relationship with a goshawk, quaintly called Mabel. Although a goshawk weighs a millionth of the tonnage of a whale, it is as much of an adversary to the author as Moby Dick was to Captain Ahab. Essentially, there are two interlinked stories in the novel. One is the story of the taming of a bird. A fierce, uncompromising raptor, a bird of prey. The other story is an elegy on the death of a father and how it led to the taming of the bird. The woman undertaking this labour of love, Helen Macdonald, is both a Cambridge historian and a naturalist. She uses these two vocations, with their associated languages, with great skill to tell her story.

The historian in her explores and reveals the history of falconry in England and finds such treasures as the story of T. H. White, the idiosyncratic author of the Arthurian legend “The Once and Future King”, who also attempts to tame a goshawk and writes about it in his book “Goshawk.” She learns from his misguided attempts to win the affection of the bird by overfeeding it. All he got was a surly raptor, too overweight to be bothered to hunt.

The naturalist in her observes and takes notes, learning the finer details of bird behaviour. In some ways she becomes the bird and, assuming its keen eyesight, begins to notice the smallest details in the fields like the tips of the ears of a hare hiding in the grass.

Tying together these two aspects of her life is her grief over the death of her father, a photojournalist who first taught her to observe the life in nature. His sudden and unexpected death plunges her into the hazardous task of acquiring and taming a goshawk. In some ways the goshawk is the father whom she seeks to reclaim through love, in other ways she identifies with the goshawk and its inability to understand emotion and any other human quality.

Macdonald tells of the small victories and great setbacks in a narrative style that is sonorous and thick with metaphor, as if the telling of such a tale could only be done in the language of legend. Just listen to this:

“The light is laid evenly on the grass, the cows are back in the fields after milking, and the far sky towards Buckingham builds towards dusk in dinted pewter clouds.”

Or this:“A short scuffle and then out into the gloom, her

grey crest raised and her barred chest feathers puffed up into a meringue of aggression and fear, came a huge old female goshawk.”

This story of falconry is indeed the story of the metaphysical battle between animal-kind and mankind, told in an epic style. Yet it is also the story of a very real private grief, both strands making this a book to read and read again, preferably aloud to yourself to savour the quality of the writing.

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

Ticket prices: 3D - R60 2D - R463D glasses available at R10 each

Mondays & Tuesdays Special: Half Price

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

HITMAN AGENT FORTY SEVEN

4 September 2015

SCHUCKS PAY BACK THE MONEY

28 August 2015

TRANSPORTER REFUELED

11 September 2015EVEREST

18 September 2015

MAYA THE BEE

18 September 2015

MAZE RUNNER THE SCORCH TRIALS

25 September 2015

with James O’Grady, volunteer at the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre

Book ReviewCharlotte van Zyl

Vernissage at ODA Gallery

On Saturday, 15 August, invited guests and friends attended a vernissage at ODA | objekt design art on Huguenot St. The unfamiliar term vernissage had piqued everyone’s interest on receiving the invitation that clearly was about art. Patrizia Litty from ANPA, who curated the exhibition, explained that it is the term commonly used in Europe for the opening of an art exhibition. She says, “There nobody refers to it as an opening, but locally the word vernissage is not really known”.

The new group exhibition featuring figurative work and contemporary portraiture by 15 artists is a collaboration between Patrizia and Andreas Betzold. Titled homer sapiens it is a play on Homo sapiens, homer being a reference to the Greek poet Homer of The Iliad and Odyssey fame, and sapiens is borrowed from Yuval Noah Harari’s book Sapiens: A Brief history of Humankind.

Visitors moved around the gallery from the large Brett Williams and Dane Stopps canvases to the fascinating Danya Heller sculptures – two of anatomically correct hearts and one of a kneeling figure with exposed spine and golden body cavity –and on to other works, both big and small. They paused at Gerrit Burger’s sculpture titled Salute to the Sun and lingered at Stanislaw Trebinski’s beautiful bronze Layered Woman. More time was needed to see and appreciate all the other carefully chosen works and so visitors sipped at their wine and slowly made their way around the gallery.

Patrizia’s ANPA jewellery shares the space with ODA, adding a good reason for everyone to stay a while. The exhibition adds to the list of culturally enriching ways of spending time in the village, see it before 27 September.

www.theprivatecollection.co.za

The best ride to West Side (Story)

On a cold and rainy winter’s night at the end of July, Franschhoekers gathered in an upbeat mood to take a bus ride to the Artscape Opera House to see West Side Story. The excitement called for the immediate raising of glasses filled with Graham Beck Cap Classique – a celebration in which all members of the group participated.

Seeing Lynelle Kenned, Jonathan Roxmouth and an excellent cast on stage was everything the audience had hoped for. Hit after hit, beautifully sung, highlighted the talent of the cast and brought back memories to those who remember the award winning movie. The stage setting, with huge moving pieces,

was impressive and the production just wonderful. Well-rehearsed accents and music by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, confirmed the authenticity.

After the show a happy bunch boarded the bus in which driver, Patrick, was waiting for them in front of the theatre. Safe and warm on board, they tucked into snacks and sweets and wound down the evening as they made their way safely home to Franschhoek.

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

Jonathan Roxmouth and Lynelle Kenned in rehearsal for Westside Story

Homer sapiens exhibition at ODA Gallery

Where do you live and what is your occupation? I am from a small town in central Scotland called

Falkirk, which is about halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, I am currently on a soccer scholarship at Hartwick College in New York and studying Business Management with Sociology.

How did you get to be working at the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre?

At my school, they give a scholarship to a number of people for performing an internship abroad. Luckily I managed to find SCORE and after a few emails back and forth, I was confirmed to be interning here for the break. I was very fortunate to have the experience and will remember this for a long time.

What have you been doing at the sports centre?I have been doing a mixture of things at the

centre. My main project while here was to set up a Corporate Football Tournament, aiming to get local businesses and farms to enter a team of workers and play against one another. The aim was to raise

some funds and also awareness of the centre.Do you think there is undiscovered talent in

the valley?I think there is lots of undiscovered talent in the

valley. I see kids playing football every day and that’s exactly what I was doing at their age. The difference is that there is no opportunity for these kids to progress at football. If they had the opportunity, there is no reason why these kids couldn’t go places with their talent! Their talent is too hidden.

What difference do you think the sports centre is making to the community?

It’s making a massive difference. It gives the locals a place to go and just play. The centre can help keep people off the streets and out of trouble. Who knows, we might have the next best netball, rugby or football player in the valley, but if there’s nowhere for them to express their talent, it’s worth nothing. At least if they have a centre to express their talent, who knows who might come by and spot the talent.


AN EXCITING NEWPAYMENT EXPERIENCE AWAITS

Cash Officesin Ryneveldt Street

closed due torenovations from

August to mid-December 2015.

Please makepayments at

the Library Hall,Plein Street.

LIBRARYCASH

OFFICES

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you. Remember you can also pay your municipal accounts via internet banking, cellphone banking or at any Easypay vendor.

Please call 021 808 8111 for any account enquiries.

SM Kontantkantoor Eikestad Ad .indd 2 2015/08/07 3:54 PM


PUBLIC NOTICEPROPOSED FRANSCHHOEK CIVIC AMENITY CENTRE,

STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY, WESTERN CAPE

The public is hereby reminded that the Stellenbosch Local Municipality proposes to establish a Civic Amenity Centre (CAC) within the Franschhoek area. The proposed CAC is a facility for the Franschhoek community to take their bulky, uncollected waste to be recovered or re-used in a responsible manner. The types of materials that can be taken to such a facility include recyclable waste, builders’ rubble, uncollected bulky waste and garden waste. The proposed facility will be controlled and managed by the Stellenbosch Municipality and will ultimately divert waste from the Stellenbosch landfill, which is nearing capacity. The public is requested to note that this facility is not a waste disposal site and will not accept any hazardous waste or household putrescible waste. A site selection process undertaken by the Stellenbosch Municipality, in conjunction with the technical team, has led to the identification of four (4) possible sites within the Franschhoek area (refer to Figure 1). The public is therefore invited to actively participate in the planning and development of this facility. It is important to note that additional sites may be identified during the public participation process. However, all identified sites will need to be subjected to the same site selection criteria.

Figure 1: Locality Map showing proposed sites

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS: A site visit to the Wynberg Drop-Off Centre in Cape Town was undertaken on Saturday, 15 August 2015. The purpose of the site visit was to show members of the public what the proposed Franschhoek development could entail. A public meeting was also held at Groendal Community Hall to provide an opportunity for the public to comment. All comments raised at the meeting will be included in the Comments and Responses Report, which will accompany the site-selection report.

All Interested and Affected Parties who have not yet participated and/or submitted comments in this process are encouraged to do so before Monday, 07 September 2015. Comments can be submitted in one of the following ways: • By email: [email protected] • By mail: PO Box 3173, Pretoria, 0001 • Submitting your comments to your relevant Ward Councillor (Ward 1: Cllr A. Frazenburg, Ward 2: Cllr N. Ntsunguzi and Ward 3: Cllr N. August). For further information and to register in the process, please contact Bongi Shinga on Tel: 012 421 3767 or Cell: 079 953 8371 or [email protected]

La MotteLe Roux

Franschhoek

Ward No1

Ward No2

Ward No3

R45

³Legend

PropertiesErf 1064/17Erf 23Erf 290Farm 1653 aFarm 1653 bWards

0 200 400 600 800100Meters

FigureProject Title:

Map Title:Franschhoek Dropoff FacilityProposed Sites

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information on this map, AECOM cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. © Copyright

1:15 000Scale

Y:\7_Projects\60339642_Franschhoek_Dropoff_Facility\mxd\Locations.mxd

Sources:(When page size is: A3 landscape)

Projection:Datum:

Compiled By:GIS QC By:Approved By:Date Saved:Project Number:Map Ref:Revision:

GeographicHartebeesthoek 1994

2015/06/24

GA Maree

R Pienaar

Locations.mxd60339642

01

Central Meridian: 19.0

1Transverse Mercator

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed,Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS,USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid,IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS UserCommunityFarmPortions, Municipality.

La Motte celebrates female artists

True to its culture of excellence, La Motte is home to a new art exhibition titled Thoughtful Journey – a celebration of female artists. The exhibition opened on 13 August in the La Motte Museum and will run until June 2016. It is said that travel was an inspiration to all the artists in the exhibition and so the concept is fittingly included in the title.

Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, owner of La Motte, welcomed guests to the museum where the collection featuring works by 22 female artists is displayed. In a lovely moment honouring the artists, she mentioned the softness women bring to art. Her mother, Mrs Huberte Rupert, was renowned for the role she played in the conservation of South African art and her support of female artists. Works of the artists on display have over time been collected by the Rembrandt and Rupert Art Foundations. All the works in the exhibition,

bar six on loan from the Stellenbosch University Museum, are from these collections.

Art expert and journalist, Amanda Botha, spoke authoritatively on the artists and how they defined South African art. She also mentioned that these ladies were largely responsible for bringing expressionism to South African art. Special mention was made of the difficulty female sculptors encounter in acknowledgement of their art. Works by three female sculptors, Nerine Desmond (1908 - 1993), Maureen Quin (1934 - ) and Elsa Dziomba (1906 - 1970) can be seen at the exhibition.

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to view this well thought out exhibition featuring art by women who have contributed so significantly to art in South Africa since the early 1900s.

The museum is open from 09h00 to 17h00 daily except for Mondays and Christian holidays. Entry is free.

www.la-motte.com | 021 876 8000

A view of the exhibition Thoughtful Journey – a celebration of female artists with a sculpture by Nerine Desmond in the foreground.


BOOK KEEPING SERVICES: For small businesses. Income and expenses, cash book, petty cash on Pastel up to trial balance. Call Robyn Kadis 072 999 8581.

GARDENS: Pruning, tree removal, paving, landscape services and gardens. Call Myles Agar 083 279 7960 Email: [email protected]

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

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]

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

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

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

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

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

MAILBOXES: Postnet Franschhoek. R495 per year. Limited number still available. No “junk mail”. Phone: 021 876 3025 / Email: [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. Franschhoek only. Contact Sue at 083 270 9555

GUITAR LESSONS in Franschhoek, all ages welcome. I teach acoustic, classical, electric or bass guitar. Top teaching credentials. Contact Paul 084 460 8530

DO NO HARM: Are you part of the growing community of vegetarians, vegans, and people keen to explore eating plant-based? Let’s get together in the spirit of support, advocacy, and educationand share the kindness. Email to connect with some like-minded folk: [email protected]

WOONSTEL TE HUUR: La Motte/Franschhoek - Ruim woonstel vir verantwoordelike huurder beskikbaar vanaf 1 Oktober 2015. 1 Slaapkamer (ingeboude kaste), en suite badkamer (Bad & Stort). Plek vir wasmasjien/tuimeldroër. Ruim sitkamer. Aparte kombuis met gasstoof. 1 Onderdak skadu parkering. Krag ekstra. Water gratis. R5 500 p.m. Skakel 082 558 1678

EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT: mature responsible female, relocated in Franschhoek, looking for employment. Very trustworthy. Cell 073 701 9221.

DOMESTIC WORK: My name is

Precious. I am looking for a 3-days-a-week job as a domestic worker. I would like to work Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – I’m working the other 2 days. I have a reference from my current employer. Contact me on: 078 087 5627 or 061 292 4007.

HOUSE/PET SITTING: Mature responsible lady available for house/pet sitting. Call 082 368 1115 (Eileen).

SALES PERSON: Art Gallery in Franschhoek is looking for a highly capable sales person to join our team. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Must be computer literate with previous sales experience, not necessarily in Art, but must have client liaison skills and be able to help organise exhibitions and general day to day work in gallery. Contact: [email protected]

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

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

FRANSCHHOEK’S

FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENOVATINGSITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN:

always at your service

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

Smalls

PO Box 92, Franschhoek, 7690Tel 021 876 3460

Email [email protected] Siegfried SchäferLayout Gail AbrahamsPrinting Signet Printers

Subscriptions 12 Issues - R200/Overseas R400

Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication

of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or

services therin described.

Smalls R30. Text Only, max 30 words. Leave, with payment, at Franschhoek Pharmacy

before 15th of preceding month


“We make house calls”

[email protected]

083 252 1054

FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED

.Waterproofing

.Torch On

.Roof Clean & Coat

.Gutters & facias

.Roofing

.Painting

.Carports & pergolas

.Minor Renovations


Managing Director of BOE Bank, Phillip Wessels, recently hosted a French cheese and wine reception at La Petite Ferme to meet fellow residents of his new home town. The reception could have been ruined due to an armed robbery that afternoon at the bank’s Franschhoek branch. Luckily nobody was injured. However, Ronelle du Toit, the Franschhoek office manager and her staff – all of whom were clearly distressed by what they had been subjected to – insisted ha the reception went ahead despite offers to cancel it from Phillip Wessels. In his address Phillip said: “It was entirely their choice to

continue with the evening’s event and their response was that we must not give in to crime by cancelling it. Ronelle and her team’s attitude is salutary.” The gunmen escaped with a minimal amount and police are investigating the crime.

On a calm and warm evening, around 130 people attended the reception and enjoyed a delicious selection of French wines and cheeses, all supplied by Fromage de France.

Phillip and his wife Jennie, having lived in rented accommodation in the UK and more recently Franschhoek itself, are just about to move into the home they have built in Franschhoek. “After years of being high-class ‘squatters’, Jennie and I are really delighted to be settling in Franschhoek … and we intend to stay.

This coincides with the bank’s decision last year to retain its headquarters in Paarl with 70% of the staff living in Paarl, Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.

A While AgoSeptember 2001

BOE Bank reception proceeds in the face of crime

Aries, 21 March – 19 April: Esoterically, Aries maintains a strong link with the central Sun, which gives a penetrative and restless nature with the eagerness to attain the highest in every field. This impulse impels the individual to dwell in subjective realms, unexplored universal ideas, ideals not yet achieved. The impossibility of that task often makes the individual too desperate.

Taurus, 20 April – 20 May: When engaged in growth activity, the Taurean person can work unceasingly at it, even if it is repetitive, untill the desired result is achieved. Venus and Mars are in Leo which inspires the feminine earthy qualities of procreative energies. These circumstances and flirting with fire have a touch of human landscaping in the air.

Gemini, 21 May – 20 June: The rulership Mercury has moved into Libra and is most effective at higher subjective realms, always eager to act and achieve, but not very effective in yielding concrete results. The airy signs, Gemini and Libra, flourish in every conversation, but leave only impressions of exhausting communication with little or no preservation.

Cancer, 21 June – 22 July: Cancer is feminine, watery and movable; providing substance for the life-sustaining force. When productivity needs to provide, it will be met by the right kind of unity force. The constantly changing Moon rules this sign and creates the desire to be engaged in some kind of movement. The quality of sympathetic appreciation is strong. Leo, 23 July – 22 August: One quality of Leo is its suddenness and frontal attack - fierceness in action. Mars in this asterism will take that action into challenges. The protective impulse towards their loved ones is the symbolic kingdom which wants to be kept in order. Exercising force for the sake of leadership has only the consequence of proving arrogance.

Virgo, 23 August – 22 September: The feminine earthy sign has a special significant purpose in its manifestative progress. It represents consciousness in bondage, the divine discontent towards the duty of spirit. The striving

for perfection and ideals creates the suffering for a greater cause. Make sure that cause has sustainability.

Libra, 23 September – 22 October: The scale does not depend upon other influences to be effective, wherever it operates; it wants to create an impact. The movable, airy sign will always induce the ego to thirst for more. With Venus in Leo that can easily become the main stage, without consideration of the outcome or the operation.

Scorpio, 23 October – 21 November: Scorpio’s impact is often considered difficult to comprehend. There is an inheritance and harnessing of psychic abilities, doing intense research and the talent for finding hidden things. They can read others’ emotions and thoughts, which when not thoroughly understood can create untold misery.

Sagittarius, 22 November – 21 December: The ninth sign is the dharma of the cosmic deity. It leads to the enfoldment of the divine essence. God’s grace does not imply a reinforcement of one’s traditional beliefs, habits and superstitions. As a matter of fact, everyday experiences can be transformed into illuminations of the divine spirit.

Capricorn, 22 December – 19 January: The situations one confronts under Capricorn’s influence are not the result of one’s immediate doings, but follow from past actions and working-out of destiny and fate. The more you focus on the presented present, the more you create a deep acting effect on your spiritual destiny.

Aquarius, 20 January – 18 February: An increased turmoil will present itself when the individual wants to work in accordance with the divine plan and annihilate his ego. Mars in Leo, the opposite sign, invites for that. If you are in yogic practice with the breath of the supreme, the plan will present itself with a peaceful mind.

Pisces, 19 February – 20 March: Spirituality brings only frustration when the ‘You’ is attached to material needs. Intellectualization, analysis, reason and logic have no meaning if not supported by actions of unconditional love. The last part of the zodiac is also the beginning of a new circle, a new life, with different circumstance maintained by that love.

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

Jyotish Vedic AstrologyRobert Rittel

Useful Numbers

3 September Cooking Classes: Harvest

Table at Home. Venue: Leopard’s Leap. Time: 09h30 and lunch, 18 September 18h00 and dinner. Cost: R650 pp. Booking: cooking@leopardsleap or 021 876 8002

11 September Reuben Riffel Golf Day in

aid of HospiceVenue: Pearl Valley Golf and

Country Estate. Cost: R1000 per single entry. Booking: [email protected] or 021 876 3085

12 September Opening of Signature Group

Exhibition - a showcase of contemporary Western Cape art

Venue: Grande Provence Gallery. Time: 11h00. Contact: [email protected] or 021 876 8630

19 September Clivia Talk with Dr Hans Roos

Venue: Babylonstoren. Time: 100h00 to 12h00. Cost: R150. Booking: enquiries@babylonstoren or 084 275 1243

Vintages from our VinothequeTaste 11 vintages of Semillon,

Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in a parallel tasting. Daily activities include cellar tours, wine tastings and fynbos walks.Venue: Haut Espoir tasting room. Time: 11h00. Cost: R600 pp. Booking: [email protected] or 021 876 4000

24 September Farm Feast celebrating SA

HeritageVenue: Boschendal. Time: From

12h00. Cost: R295 p.p. children under 12 R85

25 September White Blends – Wine &

Dine collaboration dinnerVenue: The Restaurant at

Grande Provence. Time: 19h00.

Cost: R525 ppBookings: restaurant@

grandeprovence or 021 876 8600

26 September Protea Party celebrating

spring dining under the starsVenue: Anthonij Rupert Estate.

Time: 18h00. Cost: R450 pp. Bookings: [email protected] or 021 874 9041

26 September La Petite Symphonie with

the Cape Town Wind QuintetVenue: La Motte Historic CellarTime: 19h00 to 21h00. Cost:

R170 pp. Booking: [email protected] or 021 876 8000 or

26 to 27 September Franschhoek Uncorked

Franschhoek wineries. Cost: R120 for weekend pass. Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

Mondays & Thursdays Iyengar-Style Yoga Classes

Venue: Sukha free spirit centre. Time: 18h00 to 19h00 (Friday morning 08h00 to 09h00)Ladies class (pre/post natal, menopausal, recuperative) Enquiries: 073 388 1404 (Danielle)

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 Market

Breads, 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 Franschhoek Cycling Club

Outrides Regular road rides on Saturday

mornings from BP garage to Stellenbosch/Jonkers and back (75 kms) followed by coffees. Meet at 08h00 winter months, 07h00 in summer. To check timings during shoulder seasons 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.

September Calendar


Sellers shun high transaction costs, slows down sales volumesSeeff chairman, Samuel Seeff (pictured right) says that

it is not a lack of demand, but rather a lack of stock that is driving sales volumes down in the housing market. This is of course a complete reversal from five years ago when a lack of buyers was the challenge of the market.

Now, he says, it is not a lack of buyers, but a lack of stock that is driving the market. While the wide-scale stock shortages, quickened selling times and better prices signal the ideal selling conditions, sellers are just not seeing the value of selling. Unless they absolutely have to move or upgrade, they are rather staying put and remodelling or renovating as is now happening in areas such as Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard.

The legislated transaction costs are just too high, says Seeff. When you factor in the aspects that make up the costs of transacting – transfer costs, transfer duty and capital gains tax (CGT) – sellers are in some instances having to fork out the equivalent of up to 20% of the value of the purchase price just in costs.

The latest transfer duty hike on transactions above R2.25 million being just another factor that has now driven sellers to rethink whether they want to be selling right now, says Seeff. While the hike from 8% to 11% may seem rather banal at an additional 3%, it in reality translates to a rather hefty additional R70

500 to R670 500 in some instances.Consider the following illustration for example:

A seller puts his/her primary home (purchased in 2001 for R6 million) on the market and sells it for R10 million. The costs of this transaction amounts to R838 964.10 (estate agency commission at around 5% and capital gains tax (CGT).

He/she now purchases a home for R12 million with a 50% bond and incurs further transactions costs in the form of legal and bond fees of R112 064.40 and transfer duty of R1 157 500, thus amounting to an additional R1 269 564.40. The total transaction costs though amount to R2 108 528.50, or about 18% of the purchase price.

These are hard costs that add no value to the property and you can therefore see why the seller would rather invest the R2 million-odd into his/her existing home.

It has become too punitive to transact and the net effect has been a slow-down in sales volumes, says Seeff. The hike in transfer duty has now simply pushed the market beyond what it would bear. And, says Seeff, this at a time when property is one of the few economic growth sectors.

With sales volumes up over the last two years, there is no doubt that government was earning a handsome

income. In trying to boost its revenues from the property sector however, it is in fact slowing down demand and sales and, rather than earning more in transfer duties, is now losing out altogether.

On a R5 million sale, the original transfer duty would have amounted to R317 000. The increase amounts to an additional R70 500. By not transacting, the opportunity cost is not just the additional R70 500 that is lost, but the original R317 000 transfer duty that is now lost.

On a R10 million sale, the loss is even more pronounced. By hiking the transfer duty by an effective 30.75% or an extra R220 500, the original transfer duty fee of R717 000 is lost. On a R25 million sale, the loss is R1.917 million rather than gaining an extra R670 500 that amounts to a 34.98% hike.

On the Atlantic Seaboard for example, more than 300 transactions, or just under 40% of all transactions last year, fell above the R5 million price band, says Seeff. Almost 70% of the market here falls above the R2.25 million price band. In Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, almost half of all sales last year were above this price mark.

This is hugely significant if you consider that you have to sell a great deal more lower priced properties to generate the R317 000 in transfer duty that a single R5 million sale would have generated.

The knock-on economic effect though is even greater. If people are buying property, there is a whole economic value chain that benefits and it fuels economic growth.

Bigger home costs you might have forgotten to factor in

Being in the financial position to afford to move to a bigger house is an exciting new chapter in your or you and your family’s life. Whilst costs such as transfer fees or deposits are always taken into account, one often forgets about the other cost implications that come with a larger home.

“One should be weary of only considering the costs such as moving costs, deposits and other transfer fees when moving to a bigger house. Being able to afford a bigger house does not stop at what your bank believes you can repay on a mortgage loan every month or the other obvious costs,” advises FNB.

Every day, monthly and unavoidable costs such higher water and electricity bills, or gardening service fees can make a severe dent in the budget if not planned for. What is worse is only thinking about these costs and their impact once you have already signed up for the larger house.

Prepare in advance and draw up a mock budget before you put the final pen to paper to make sure that you can afford the larger house and its expenses in its totality.

A few of these costs to consider are listed below:Bigger house equals more furnitureA bigger house means more and bigger rooms

and consequently more furniture and décor that are needed to fill the house up. These items will include the basics such as curtains or blinds and might even mean an additional television, HI-Fi set or docking station.

“It is important to factor the buying of additional furniture in to your budget over the long term. Try to avoid taking out a loan in order to finance it and avoid the urge to sell off old furniture and buy new items for the house. First do what you can, with what you have,” advises FNB.

She goes on to say that it is a common mistake to want to do as much as possible at once. Instead, give yourself time to settle in and live in the new house for a while so that you can grow accustom to the new rooms and flow of the house. That way you can save up and be more certain that you will be making the right choices when you furnish the home.

InsuranceYou will pay more to ensure the larger house

that has more content but don’t skimp on this. Life unfortunately happens and unforeseen circumstances such as geyser bursts that damaged

goods, fires or burglaries have to be catered for. “You need to consider the fact that this will be a

higher expense before you decide to move. There is however value in taking the opportunity to shop around for the best deal that will cover your needs,” suggests FNB.

Gardening costsThe upkeep of a garden will be a new line item

in your monthly budget if you have moved from a top floor unit or complex where gardening services were included in your levies.

As with insurance make sure that you shop around for the best deal. Gardening services can either charge you based on the size of your garden, an hourly rate or a tailored quote following an assessment of your garden. For a medium sized garden you could pay around R1 200 per month for one session a week whilst some service providers could charge up to R1 000 for an hour.

This will not include new plants or landscaping but merely maintenance.

“If a lot of new plants have to be bought, consider only paying for a gardening service later on and maintaining your garden yourself until you have money available to outsource,” suggests FNB.

Upgrading securityWhen staying in a complex or block of flats

where security measures such as electrical fencing, beams and burglar bars were already installed, you might be confronted with having to do a few of these installations at your new home and they do not come cheap.

FNB notes that doing these upgrades systematically is key. Decide on which security measure is most important to you and first make sure that that is up to date or installed.

Tackle the most important expenses first, and put DIY skills to the test. There are helpful magazines and television programmers that give gardening and renovating hints and tips. As for installation of your TV and sound appliances, take photos of where all the cables plug into so that you can just replicate in your new house – there is no need to pay someone to do it for you.

“Make a list of the most important additional expense first and compare it against what you are able to afford at the moment and remember, creating a home is not an overnight process, it takes time,” concludes FNB.



4 3 Garages 2 359 077

Ideal location in a popular part of the Estate. Tranquil setting with a South West facing orientation onto the 10th fairway and capturing the magnifi cent views of the Simonsberg Mountains from all levels of this home.Open plan lounge/dining/living room and kitchen with separate scullery. Feature double sided wood burning fi replace separates the reception rooms. ASKING PRICE EXCLUDES VAT.

ESTATE LIVING IS TRULY MAGNIFICENT FROM OUR POINT OF VIEW

R6 950 000FRANSCHHOEK

4 3 Garages 1 360 841

Welcome to this well sought after estate. The property is surrounded by the surrounding Solms Delta farm and takes advantage of the expansive mountain views in this area. The house is modelled in the Cape Vernacular build and one enters the home into a lovely double volume family living room with open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room leading onto a patio and swimming pool area.

WELL SITUATED FAMILY HOME IN SOUGHT AFTER WINELANDS ESTATE

PEARL VALLEY

4 4 Garages 2 330 254

Far from the madding crowd, but....join them whenever you choose! Within 7 minutes drive from Franschhoek and Bridge House School. Fynbos lifestyle property, secure character home, unbeatable valley views. Two cottages. View and offer. Nestled within the gentle slopes of the Wemmershoek Mountain range, overlooking the Franschhoek Valley and vineyards of green, this Fynbos Lifestyle property

CHAMPAGNE IN THE AIR

R4 400 000FRANSCHE HOEK ESTATE

329 952

This 4000m² plot is situated in secure Fransche Hoek Estate. The plot is well positioned at the highest point of this fynbos Estate, bordering the nature reserve and offering spectacular views of the valley. One of only a few large stands left. 50% of selling price vatable. An opportunity to build your own home in this magnifi cent setting.

INDIGENOUS PARADISE

FRANSCHHOEK R10 500 000

R5 250 000

WEB REF: PLOT 1 - 353 071 • PLOT 2 - 353 044

One of only two plots left in the exclusive La Grange De Cabriere Farm with river frontage and majestic views of the mountains and untouched landscapes this property will not be on the market for long and is it an ideal opportunity to become part of the prestigious Franschhoek family. The plot currently has two semi-detached staff cottages on it which can easily be transformed as part of the main house or simply be demolished and start from afresh.

A RARE CONTENDER IN THE VILLAGE

R3 125 000FRANSCHHOEK

3 2 Garages 1 360 154

Welcome to this well sought after estate. The property is surrounded by the surrounding Solms Delta farm and takes advantage of the expansive mountain views in this area. The house is modelled in the Cape Vernacular build and one enters the home into a lovely double volume family living room with open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room leading onto a patio and swimming pool area.

BRING BACK THE SPARKLE AND MAKE A SMART INVESTMENT

FRANSCHHOEK PLOT 1 - R4 150 000 • PLOT 2 - R4 500 000


FranschhoekSales & Residential Letting 021 876 [email protected]

FRANSCHHOEK R1.35 MILLION

R4.2 MILLION

R4.75 MILLIONSPACIOUS HOME IN CUL-DE-SAC. Tucked 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.

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Garages: 1 (3 Off-Street) Web Access FWI1215911

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 & JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

APARTMENT WITH SUPERIOR VIEWS. Located just outside the village is this lovely upstairs apartment with spectacular views. Comprised of an open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen with wood burning fi replace. French doors open to the balcony and views of the estate and Franschhoek Mountains. A cosy kitchen with an electric oven and extractor fan. There are two bedrooms both with built in cupboards and a shared full bathroom. The estate offers access controlled security, communal tennis court and sparkling swimming pool. Completing this property is a covered carport and a small store room. These apartments are ideal for a full-time lock up and go, holiday or rental income.

IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN. This beautifully appointed home, located on a quiet street, easy walking distance to the village, offers 3 bedrooms/study and two full bathrooms. Under fl oor heated and air-conditioned throughout with an easy to maintain garden making it a perfect lock up and go or permanent home.

SHELLY SCHOEMAN 083 301 8833

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

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Parking: 1 Web Access FWI1231846

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 2 Web FWI1222546 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 2 Web FWI1219575


NEAT AS A PIN! This immaculate cottage is situated in the popular La Petite Provence Secure Estate in Franschhoek. An ideal lock-up and go or holiday get-away to enjoy the best of what Franschhoek has to offer. La Petite Provence offers a communal tennis court, swimming pool, club house and magnifi cent mountain views.

FRANSCHHOEK


CHARACTER HOME IN EXCELLENT LOCATION. This lovely double story character fi lled thatch home is situated in the famous Cabriere Street in the heart of Franschhoek village. The location of this property is sought after and adds to the value of this well priced property.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Parking: 3 (Off-Street) Web Access FWI1207236

DOUG GURR 072 610 7208 & JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

FRANSCHHOEK


An InternationalAssociate of Savills

Conveniently situated in the Paarl - Franschhoek Valley

Office +27 (0) 21 871 1480 218Main Road, Paarl, 7646, Western Cape

Life worth living

New plots and houses designed by STEFAN ANTONI

POLO VILLAGE from R 2.625mTHE VINES from R 2.9m

LE DOMAINE from R 1.425mGENTLEMAN’S ESTATES from R 8.75m

www.pamgolding.co.za/val-de-vie

Jordan Greenhalgh083 298 1481

[email protected]

Igna De Villiers082 884 8492

[email protected]

Hayley vd Merwe082 926 8587

[email protected]

Ronel Pienaar082 556 2433

[email protected]

An InternationalAssociate of Savills

Conveniently situated in the Paarl - Franschhoek Valley

Office +27 (0) 21 871 1480218 Main Road, Paarl, 7646, Western Cape

Life worth living

New plots and houses designed by STEFAN ANTONI

POLO VILLAGE from R 2.625mTHE VINES from R 2.9m

LE DOMAINE from R 1.425mGENTLEMAN’S ESTATES from R 8.75m

ON-SITE AGENTS | ASK FOR US AT THE GATE

www.pamgolding.co.za/val-de-vie

Jordan Greenhalgh083 298 1481

[email protected]

Igna De Villiers082 884 8492

[email protected]

Hayley vd Merwe082 926 8587

[email protected]

Ronel Pienaar082 556 2433

[email protected]


Fine & Country Franschhoek, Centre du Franschhoek, 23 Huguenot Str, Franchhoek, 7690

R75 000 000 EXCL VAT R25 000 000La Cotte Farm Schellenburg

R4 500 000 R8 500 000Auzet du Cap Oryx Place

R 9 995 000 R10 750 000La Ferme Chantelle La Ferme Chantelle

R7 950 000 R8 500 000Village House La Petite Provence

* PRICES SHOWN ARE ASKING PRICES

A selection of properties sold by us during the last 12 months

A SELECTION OF PROPERTIES SOLD BY US DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Documents

Franschhoek Tatler - September 2015