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Author Archives: Franschhoek Tatler
Response to the Groendaller 2
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
2 Comments
Response to the Groendaller 1
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
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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 … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
4 Comments
Editors Letter January 2011
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
1 Comment
Along The Stiebeuel – December
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. … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
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EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF DIAMONDS
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
1 Comment
Some Ideas for Leaders
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.
Posted in Business & Finance
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Water – Earth’s Most Precious Natural Resource
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.
Posted in Environment
1 Comment
Franschhoek Youth Awards 2010
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Social Issues
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Sweet as Sugar
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,
Posted in Birds of the Valley
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Gardening in December 2010
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, … Continue reading
Posted in Gardening
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Franschhoek twins with Knysna
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.
Posted in Lifestyle, Uncategorized
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Return of the Steppes
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Birds of the Valley
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Why Climate Change Doesn’t Matter
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
Posted in Environment
1 Comment
Along The Stiebeuel – November
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
1 Comment
Novice climbs to great heights
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.
Posted in Lifestyle
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FRANCO Focus – November 2010
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.
Posted in Social Issues
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Hospice – November News
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.
Posted in Hospice News
1 Comment
Franschhoek SPCA November 2010 News
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Franschhoek SPCA
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Winemaker’s Corner Erika Obermeyer
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Wine and Dine
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What’s the Buzz about Buzzards?
Franschhoek is home to a number of raptors throughout the year and one bird is found more often than others, the Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus). “Rufofuscus” means “dusky red” or “rufous” as we in the birding world call it, which … Continue reading
Posted in Birds of the Valley
1 Comment
Gardening in October
Can you believe that it is less than 3 months to Christmas? That means it is time to get the garden ready for all those late lunches, cocktail evenings, end-of-year parties and the inevitable visits by friends and family from … Continue reading
Posted in Gardening
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Editors Letter October 2010
Dear Readers The proposed Media Appeals Tribunal and Protection of Information Bill are serious indictments of our young democracy. Freedom of expression and universal suffrage are the guarantors of democracy – even more so when their exercise is ‘inconvenient’ to … Continue reading
Posted in Editorials and Letters
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Municipality Delivers Houses in Mooiwater
The Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, Alderman Cyril Jooste, officially handed over the first 18 houses in Mooiwater (phase 2) on Friday 3 September 2010. He also took part in a greening project that formed part of the Municipality’s Arbor … Continue reading
Posted in Front Page
1 Comment
La Motte. Excellence Redefined
La Motte estate is clearly succeeding in achieving ‘a culture of excellence’ in everything thing that they do. This month they launch their long-awaited new facilities. The La Motte experience has long been about more than wine:
Posted in Franschhoek Tatler, Front Page
6 Comments
Graham Beck’s Passing the End of an Era in South African wine
Cape Town, 27 July 2010: Pioneering South African wine producer and social philanthropist Graham Beck, owner of Graham Beck Wines, passed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 27 July at the age of 80 in London after a … Continue reading
Posted in Franschhoek Tatler, Wine and Dine
1 Comment
Best Brandy in the World from Laborie
The Laborie Alambic brandy has been voted the best brandy in the world at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London for 2010. The IWSC is regarded as the premier competition of its kind on the international stage. Its … Continue reading
Posted in Franschhoek Tatler, Wine and Dine
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Food Of Origin
The Dik Delta Fynbos Culinary Gardens were officially opened on the 19th of August. Mark Solms of Solms-Delta, Renata Coetzee, the well-known food scientist and author, Hein Joubert, the project co-ordinator, and Shaun Schoeman, executive chef at Fyndraai restaurant, hosted … Continue reading
Posted in Franschhoek Tatler, Wine and Dine
2 Comments
Franschhoek Uncorks New Releases
‘Franschhoek Uncorked’, the valley’s unique spring wine meander, took place again over the weekend of 4 and 5 September. This multi-faceted celebration takes place on farms throughout the Valley and wineries the opportunity to ‘bloom’ as they showcase new vintages … Continue reading
Posted in Wine and Dine
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“Frenchhoek” beautiful place says President Zuma
I was just recovered from the visit of the Labour Minister a week ago when I received a pamphlet in the mail. It read: “Come listen to the President, don’t miss it, 20 August!!!!!” My first thought was that this … Continue reading
Posted in Franschhoek Tatler, News
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