This year marks the 23rd anniversary of World AIDS Day. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day was initiated by health ministers from around the world who called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.
World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December each year, is an important opportunity when governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals around the world bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic and emphasize the critical need for a committed, meaningful and sustained response.
The global theme for World AIDS Day from 2011-2015, as selected by the World AIDS Campaign, is “Getting to Zero.” Backed by the United Nations, the “Getting to Zero” campaign focuses on the goals of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness and education.According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. Of these infected with the virus, 75% are not aware of their status.
HIV facts
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body’s immune system — the body’s defence against diseases.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.
Here are a few more facts about HIV
•    Over 90% of people with HIV are infected through sexual contact
•    You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
•    HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
•    Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
•    You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
•    There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV

HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. The threat of ignorance, isolation, fear and rejection is often more terrifying than the disease itself. Help break the silent secrecy of this disease.

This quiet little village of Stanford, tucked away alongside the meandering Klein River as one drives between Hermanus and Gansbaai, sure knows how to throw a party!

At the recent STANFORD OESFEES CHALLENGE on the 19 March at Sir Robert Stanford Estate, 200 participants successfully competed in the first Stanford Oesfees Challenge. The 10km trail run and mountain bike ride was presented by Hermanus Adventures. They generously donated R1, 000.00 of their entry fees to Hospice Overstrand.

The Stanford Canoe Race was staged during the morning with over 100 canoeists participating. The 20km circular race was won by Lance King of the Milnerton Canoe Club.

The  Summer Concert audience  enjoyed the music by Sterling EQ, while tucking into their picnic hampers. There could not have been a more spectacular venue enhanced by an amazing Harvest Moon.  Stanford’s wine farms are hard to beat for setting, scenery and good old fashioned hospitality.

Put this date in your diaries for next year folks! Stanford is the place to be during the harvest.

Not only does this delightful Village of ours have the best mountain views, the best country kitchen, the best river and the best wines……we now also have the best beer!

Birkenhead, the second largest Microbrewery in the Western Cape, has been voted top of the ‘Six of the best microbreweries in South Africa’ by Getaway magazine. The judges looked for beers  “that are truly different, unique and give us some refreshing and much needed variety”

We all know that Stanford has the purest natural spring water in the world, and this source of quality water is the most important component of a superbly crafted brew.  making it an ideal location for Birkenhead.

Their range of beers consists of Premium Lager, Honey Blonde Ale, Chocolate Malt Stout, Birkenhead Pilsner and Old English Bitter.

Spend the afternoon on their lawns, taking in the superb views of the Kleinriviersberge before settling down for the night in one of the delightful country cottages.

The first frenetic month of the year is behind us and as we ease into the lovely loving lovable month of February, our thoughts turn to romance.  Valentine’s Day is just one week away and its time to bring THE PLAN into action. As Gary the tooth fairy would say…..”Get that girl” (or boy)

Stanford is the perfect place to woo the love of your life. This delightful Victorian village is surrounded by verdant vineyards, and here there is no need for Hallmark and red roses; the local hosts have a plan for even the most uninspired amongst us.

Stretch the celebration over the entire weekend and then some! Start on Saturday morning with  breakfast and the best coffee outside Italy at GRAZE. Drive over to Mosaic Farm on the edge of the lagoon for their Valentine’s market and indulge in local wines and local produce. Head back to the village to freshen up before taking the beautiful scenic drive out to Brunia Wine Estate where you will be greeted with a glass of bubbly before sitting down in the most evocative of settings to enjoy the 3 course dinner, with dancing to follow.

Wake up on Sunday morning and meander up to the Art Cafe for the  champagne breakfast. Snuffle around the antique shopes before you head off for a horse ride on the pristine beach at the Plaat, enjoy mid-morning coffee and   scrumptious chocolate cake at Coffee on the Rocks, book a picnic lunch at Klein River Dairy farm and watch the river glide lazily by.

Monday is the DAY, so make sure you have the poetry book tucked under the pillow, the soft songs loaded on the i-pod and the booking made at Villa di Baia for champagne cocktails on the Sundowner Terrace before enjoying  the elegant 4 course meal prepared by the resident lady chef.

If this doesn’t clinch the deal, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be!

Close your eyes, slow down your pace. Listen to the sounds around you. Birds calling their sweet song, the wind through the grass, the waves on the beach, the river idly running over rocks. Children laughing, babies crying. Each sound distinct  in isolation becomes a background hum of noise we barely take note of.

Close your eyes, slow down your breathing. Listen to the voices of the choirs in front of you. Listen to the notes, the music, the words.

Close your ears, slow down your heart. Feel the music with your soul, watch the sounds with your eyes. Imagine the sounds, describe the voices.

At the Jack Cheetham Awards at the Johannesburg City Hall, I watched the Trans Oranje Deaf Choir perform with the Drakensberg Boys Choir and the Mzansi Youth Choir. Their voices brought shivers to my spine, but the joy on the faces of the deaf choir as they expressed their music in singing sign brought tears to my eyes.

Hear the music -  it is a gift.