Topsi Venter at age 32
Topsi has the graciousness that comes naturally to the well-bred. It is borne out by her impressive ancestry that provided her with a choice branch of the family tree. Her father was a judge, her mother an educated lady who dressed herself and her family well.
The name Topsi apparently referred to the bow Mama tied Continue reading
Pixelhouse’s new site featuring the town of Stellenbosch is now being built live on the web. So far we have put up the accommodation section , our restaurants section and the Stellenbosch wines section featuring all the establishments in these sections. We also have a weather page for those looking for the latest 5 day weather forecast for Stellenbosch.
All the other sections will be added to daily, including businesses, shops, entertainment, events and festivals, golf pages, university pages, wedding pages and so much more. So don’t forget to check it out and do come again and again to see the newest information added to the site
The Extraordinary World of Diamonds
THE EXTRAORDINARY World of Diamonds might as well be given a title: “A laymen’s guide to the world of diamonds”. This book seems to contain all that there is to know about diamonds – from how diamonds are formed Continue reading
This is a response to the Groendaller’s December Article – See Here
Dear Siegfried
Over the years I have appreciated and admired Groendaller’s so well written “Along the Stiebeuel” column, his insights and the focus he brings to issues in his community. I loved his description of the Matric excitement Continue reading
This is a response to the Groendaller’s December Article – See Here
Dear Siegfried
Thanks for a great local read and the kind of information about village life that no self-respecting “local” can do without (your new website and blog are a useful addition too). It’s just this focus, and your previous edition, that prompted me to write this month.
What on earth was the Groendaller thinking Continue reading
Trevor Hughes collecting diatoms, small single cell plants, from submerged rocks in the Franschhoek River
The Franschhoek River is a ‘hotspot’ of pollution in the Berg River Catchment. This is why two intrepid bikers visited the river as part of an epic journey that involved a mad dash from the Breede River to Berg River mouth all within 48 hours. The idea was to get a snapshot of conditions Continue reading
Happy New Year! I trust that you managed to celebrate the occasion in suitable style and that you are well on your way to recovery…
Recovery is something that I think we’re going to be hearing a lot of in 2011. Once we’ve all recovered from the festive season thoughts will inevitably turn to another type of recovery – the economic kind. Continue reading
As we come into the Christmas Season, we are reminded once again to not drink and drive. This is a message that should go out all year round. We have no idea how really bad the consequences can be, Continue reading
Franschhoek Pass 1933
When US President Richard Nixon said, “Only when you’ve been in the deepest valley can you know how magnificent it is to be atop the highest mountain” he was speaking metaphorically. His quote may however just as well be applied to the dramatic Franschhoek Valley and the high mountains that separate it from the Overberg. Continue reading
Franschhoek Mountain Clouds At Dusk
When atmospheric conditions are just right Franschhoekers are treated to a grand natural sight, a spectacular cloud fall streaming off Franschhoek Mountain above Keerweder, or flanking the crest of Middagkrans Mountain, Continue reading
Zorgvliet
Like stories, journeys have a beginning, a middle and an end, but when we travel, there inevitably is a last half hour before the end when the eagerness of arriving at the destination overshadows the possibly interesting detail next to the road. This is not good. Continue reading
Franschhoek CBD
As I’m writing this it is All-Pay day here in the village. Mark Street is surely by now abuzz with people and vendors. There are quite a few people that are dependant on these grants – especially our senior citizens. Some have to budget wisely just to make it through the month, Continue reading
Winston Churchill famously quoted Napoleon Bonaparte when he said of Champagne that “in victory we deserve it, in defeat we need it.” Churchill who, even at the height of WWII, was seldom far from his stash of **Pol Roger** clearly also wanted it when he wasn’t specifically deserving or needing it. Continue reading
Nick Norman
Q&A with Nick Norman, author of the newly released book THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF DIAMONDS, published by Jacana
Why did you write a book about diamonds? Is it the history or the science that appeals to you?
Diamond is a mineral that is unique in many ways: in the economy of its chemistry Continue reading
Tony Frost
There is no reference work anywhere that can be defined as the definitive work on leadership. This article certainly does not purport to do so. However there are some behaviours and mindsets that have helped leaders over many centuries. Continue reading
What better way to spend a hot summers’ day – lolling on a lilo in the pool, with a drink in hand, staring at the clouds – ‘The Good Life’, which would be impossible without water. Continue reading
From left to right: Annelin Davids, Samantha September, Alexander Weber (winner), Sorene Williams, Lindy April (Development Co-ordinator, Franschhoek Wine Valley) and Jenny Prinsloo (CEO, Franschhoek Wine Valley)
The Franschhoek Wine Valley recently held its third Youth Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Protea Hotel Franschhoek. It was appropriate that with the town’s freedom celebrations around their annual Bastille Festival and our country’s national youth day that they give recognition to their youth’s talents and accomplishments. Continue reading
Cape Sugar Bird
Probably the most well-known bird in Franschhoek, recognized even by non-birders, is the Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer). Due to our close proximity to the fynbos-covered mountains and the fact that many people grow Proteas and have nectar feeders, Continue reading
Acacia Xantophloea for Christmas
Can you believe it is Christmas time again? I simply love this time of year. Everybody seems to be in such a good mood, a lot of our employees are looking forward to their annual pilgrimage to the Eastern Cape, our kids are excited about their letters to Santa Continue reading
Following reciprocal visits by representatives of the Franschhoek Wine Valley and Knysna Tourism, the proposal for a twinning relationship between Franschhoek and Knysna has been accepted. Continue reading
Steppe Buzzard
Last month we talked about the commonly found Jackal Buzzard and I mentioned that its friend, the Steppe Buzzard would soon be back. At time of writing, some Steppe’s have indeed been spotted so you should start keeping an eye out for them. Continue reading
When I read the above headline earlier this year I was shocked. Not because someone thought that climate change doesn’t matter but rather because the article was written by Stephen Lacey. I’ve read many articles by Stephen Continue reading
One of the biggest highlights of the secondary school year must surely be the Matric Farewell. On the day it is almost like a little bit of Hollywood comes to Franschhoek. The red carpet gets rolled out and the paparazzi in the form of the locals are taking up different vantage points to get the best view. Continue reading
Monique Steffen, a grade 8 pupil at Bridge House school, came second in the U15 Girls event in the Western Cape Schools Climbing League Competition held at City Rock on the 17 September 2010. Continue reading
FRANCO has been active in several community ventures. Here’s a summary of what we’re busy with:
WORK SEEKERS: We have set up a labour database at the Lord’s Acre Community Centre. Continue reading
During October our daycare patients, mother and child, and community home-based carers attended workshops at Hospice House. These were presented by Robyne and her team from Being Brave – a foundation for physical trauma recovery support. Continue reading
EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
Polly Meyer and Anita Hendrich hold classes in our local schools. The classes, whilst very serious in content and message, are made to be fun and enjoyable. The students are taught how to look after, handle and treat their own animals at home. Continue reading
Ever since the publication of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, politicians have been depicted as animals. Especially when it comes to insulting politicians, the animal metaphor comes to the fore, particularly when politicians hurl insults at other politicians who are not to their liking.
I suppose it’s not very surprising Continue reading
A while back i went on a flight up the Franschhoek Valley in a gyrocopter flown by Steve Thornton Smith an SAA pilot living in the valley. The flight was absolutely thrilling as we whizzed up the valley with the wind blowing on our faces in the very small craft. View our video of the ride at www.franschhoek.co.za/video/flight.html . The video is rather shaky, as i’m sure you can imagine and is a high quality flash video because of the shakiness so do pause the video and wait a minute or so for it to download. Anyway do have a look.
Erika Obermeyer, Graham Beck Wines Franschhoek Winemaker
Winemaker’s Corner
Erika Obermeyer, Graham Beck Wines Franschhoek Winemaker
Seductive Sauvignon
With spring here and the heady delights of summer already beckoning, thoughts turn to long lazy al fresco meals, accompanied (of course) by wines that make your soul sing and your spirit soar! Continue reading
