Stanford Country Cottages

Getaway to Stanford

Patti Legg — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:15 +0000

GETAWAY TO STANFORD: The Overberg’s best kept secret - there’s something here for everyone!

TWITCH WHILE YOU CRUISE ALONG THE KLEIN RIVER: Bring your binos and bird book and tick off that lifer. Latest sightings include African Snipe, Hottentot Teal, African Black Ducks and Little Bitterns. A cute new baby Spotted eagle Owl watches from his perch as you glide by. Contact Ernie at River Rat 083 310 0952

HIKE: through the wonderfully peaceful and secluded Salmonsdam Nature Reserve. Head along the beach at De Kelders on the Duiwelsgat Trail, or slack pack the magnificent Fynbos trail from Grootbos Nature Reserve to the Fynbos Retreat. Or you can tag along with the Strandveld hiking club, who offer wonderful walks in the area. Contact Rob 083 665 5011

RIDE IN A HORSE AND CARRIAGE: Jump onto the old fashioned Stanford Express and re-live the olden days in our Victorian village. ‘Promise’ pulls the cart and clip clops happily around the village after being rescued from a dismal life. Contact Harnish 071 483 1328

SAMPLE LOCAL DELICACIES: at the popular Sunset market which has moved over to the courtyard at the Stanford Hotel. Last Friday of the month 18:00 - 20:00 Join the throngs of locals as they meander through the Evening Market. Enjoy live music, tasty food, yummy wine and all kinds of beautiful things to purchase. Have a country evening under the stars.

SINK A PINT: of the fantastic Black Snake or Honey Blond Ale from the local microbrewery, Birkenhead. They offer a tasting of six beers and you can tuck into a hearty plate of Birkenhead beer pie while enjoying glorious mountain views on the sunny lawn. 028 341 0183

TASTE GOOD CHEESE: Drive out to the Klein Rivier cheese farm and sample the best Gruyere on the planet. Picnics on the lawns are offered between November and April, but the cheese tasting room is open all year. Contact 028 341 0693

STOCK UP AT THE MORNING MARKET: Stock the weekend fridge with freshly produced or home grown goodies at the morning market on Saturday mornings in the courtyard at the Art Cafe between 10:00 and 12:00. Mokoro will be selling fresh ciabatta’s and other delicious things, the Art Cafe, and Evergrine will be open for breakfast and coffee will be served in the Stanford Hotel Courtyard.

MARVEL AT CRAFTERS’ SKILLS: A regular Craft Market will be held in the Courtyard of Stanford Hotel from 09:00 – 13:00. Local potters, artist, jewellers, leather crafters will showcase their wares on 12th May, 22 September, 8 December.

RIDE A HORSE: Enjoy a ride along the beach or through the fynbos on a well schooled horse from the African Horse Co

CRUISE DOWN THE RIVER: Pack a picnic basket, wrap up warm and chug along the Klein River on the Platanna spotting birds and otters and stunning views of the mountains. Or board the famed African Queen for a braai on board while gliding down the river. Bookings 028 341 0929

RUN 5KM: Join the Stanford Striders every Monday at 6pm at the corner of Adderley Street and Longmarket for a time trial.

SAVOUR GOOD COFFEE AND SUBLIME CAKE: Enjoy barista-made coffee and scrumptious cakes at Coffee Corner at Morton Square.

RIDE A BIKE: Hire an old fashioned bike complete with basket and pedal around the village with the wind in your hair. R100 /day from 06:00-18:00 Contact Ros at Galashiels Lodge 028 341 0181 / 078 693 4046

GO SHARK CAGE DIVING : Be brave and try out a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Marine Dynamics in nearby Gansbaai. Visit the penguin colony at Dyer Island and sponsor a nest. Contact Dyer Island Conservation Trust www.dict.org.za

BUY A HOUSE: Once you have been touched by the ‘magic’ of our Village, you’ll find it hard to leave. Drop into Stanford Village Properties and chat to Natalie and Marianne to pick your favourite Victorian home.

Planting Trees in Stanford

Patti Legg — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:23:25 +0000

The Village of Stanford has an enviable sense of community spirit. This lovely country village, situated along the banks of the Klein River on the Whale Coast, still enjoys the old fashioned luxury of a lei-water, which distributes water from the local spring in neat canals alongside roads and country properties.

Tracy Paton, otherwise known as Tracy Pumpkin, the local nursery lady from Purple Pumpkin, has initiated a personal campaign to plant trees throughout the village. This project is not affiliated to any group or charity, but many of the existing local groups contribute to her cause.

“I began the campaign last year, planting the trees in autumn so that they have the whole winter and spring to settle in before they have to endure a hot Stanford summer. My initial goal of planting 5 trees a year in a public open space, and taking care of them for their first few baby years quickly escalated. In the end, we planted over 40 trees.
I cannot look after all the trees in my personal capacity, so I asked for ‘foster parents’ to water a few trees each for their first summer. Although some people have kept their promise, and taken extremely good care of their babies, some let me down. Luckily, with the help of the municipal water trailer, and a government sponsored employment scheme worker, I and a few volunteers take turns in driving around once every week and giving each and every tree a thorough soaking. The results have been remarkable, and we will continue in this manner.
I choose indigenous trees that are suitable to the individual location. So, in one spot where there is a great deal of space available for an adult tree, I planted a ficus. Along the riverbank I must plant trees which can deal with the varying water table. I’m not permitted to plant anywhere, as if there are pipes beneath the sidewalk, then obviously it doesn’t suit the municipality to have tree roots invading them. With the co-operation of the authorities, we quickly determine if a sidewalk can or cannot be planted. The municipality has installed a tap in the area near the African Queen, where we planted 10 White Stinkwood, and 5 Willows near the slipway. I am pleased to report that of the trees planted last winter, one drowned and will be replaced, one was vandalised but has made a brave recovery, and another was pulled out, but replanted in time to save it.”

For a small donation of R100, you can sponsor a tree. A decent sized sapling will be planted, fed and nurtured and you will make a significant contribution to the planet. Contact Tracy at purple.pumpkin.tracy@gmail.com and start your own forest.

It’s just not cricket without Stanford Sixes

Patti Legg — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:53:32 +0000

The annual cricket challenge that takes place on Boxing Day on the Village Green has an exciting line up of teams. 12 teams will vie for glory in this popular tournament, where teams are booked a year in advance. The majority of teams are from previous tournaments and some have been participating since the first game was played 10 years ago. Only if a team from the previous year cannot make it do we open the invitation to wait-listed teams. This year we have two new teams joining us.
We are very fortunate to have Robbie Fleck, Bobby Skinstadt and Schalk Burger returning again. Schalk says this is “the best
day of the year” for him.
The potjie competition was sorely missed last year, so it’s back. Every 6‟s team has to enter a pot plus any individual or team may enter. The pot has to be made from start to finish on the field. Judging times will be given on the 26th December. Anyone interested in entering a pot must please contact Johan on 0825503552.
It is a fun day for all around the Stanford S.C.G. The kids get to play social cricket or paddle in the lei water, friends and
family spend a relaxed day with picnic baskets, or supporting our local school by purchasing food from them on the field.
Ice cold refreshments are also on offer. This year the prize giving will be held on the field as soon as the final match is played. The first match is at 8.00 am and the prize giving should be at 6 pm. The after party is at KC‟s restaurant and bar in Stanford.
All proceeds from this event will be used towards the greening of the Village Square, so it is a very worthy cause that will
benefit the community of Stanford who all use the square, and it will enhance the beauty of our historical town. For more information please contact Mandy on 082 213 0512 or via email moo@omail.co.za

World Aids Day

Patti Legg — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:49:40 +0000

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.

Stumble along through the Stanford vineyards

Patti Legg — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:35:24 +0000

Once again, Stanford’s warm heart and deep care of others motivates the Village event this week. On Saturday, 26th November, from 3pm to sunset, will be our first ever Stanford Stumble. Great fun is to be had, and the profit will go to the Abigail Hoogbaard fund. (Abigail is a little girl from Stanford who suffers from CHARGE syndrome, and needs financial assistance for specialist schooling).
A 5km run or 2km walk through the vineyards at Stanford Hills. Teams will be dressed up, with prizes for best dressed. The traditional water tables will be replaced by wine tables, hence the name Stanford Stumble! The race will end on the front lawn at Stanford Hills, where there will be live music by Jazz band SWAY. And of course, excellent local wine and beer! Children are welcome, and the African Horse Company will be offering pony rides. A jumping castle and free use of the swimming pool should keep the young ones entertained!
Great prizes to be won. R50 per team of 2 to enter, and 2km should be a walk in the park for most (excuse the pun!)

There will be cool drinks, water and mini-picnic baskets on sale, as well as Boerewors rolls. Leg massages available at race end, sponsored by La Femme, and all in aid of charity. Please contact Steph at the Stanford Tourism office for entry forms ask@stanfordinfo.co.za or 028 341 0340

Stanford’s all a twitter.

Patti Legg — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:11:09 +0000

The very popular Stanford Bird Fair starts on Friday 30 September with interesting and engaging guest speakers, slide shows, boat trips, raptor displays, gin tasting and the prize giving of the photographic competition. The new Sasol bird book will be launched at the Art Cafe and Doug Newman will release his new book on LBJ’s.

The Stanford Sunset Market will take place on the Market Square on Friday evening.

There will be guided birding outings on the Klein river on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 07:00 and outings have been arranged to Danger Point, Kleinbaai and the De Kelders Strandloper caves.

There will be an Arts and Crafts sale in the courtyard of the Stanford Hotel on Saturday morning from 10:00 - 14:00. Restaurants and wine estates have teamed up for wine tastings and food pairings.

Come to Stanford and join the fun.

For the full programme, visit http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/program

Hermanus Adventure Week

Patti Legg — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:28:20 +0000

A great week of fun and adventure has been planned by Hermanus Adventures in conjunction with PSG Konsult starting on Saturday 1 October at 07:00 with a half marathon and 6km fun run from Hermanus High School and ending on Saturday 9th October with an 800m open water swim in the Hermanus Old Harbour.

Say Bonjour, don your beret and play Boules on the lawns of the Marine Hotel. Enquiries to tikari@hermanus.co.za

Enjoy your boyhood all over again and play with the trains at the Conference Centre above the Wine Village at the Hemel en Aarde Village. The Overberg Modular Railway Club will be exhibiting their large 7 x 5 meter HO (1:87) scale 16.5 mm gauge track modular layout, with rolling stock of the old SAR (such as the Blue Train & Orange Express) plus trains of German, Swiss, Austrian, English and American origin on display. Contact Paul Wolvaart – 084 520 2033

Get your adrenelin pumping and try out the fantastic mountain bike routes through the Hemel en Aarde valley. 5, 15, 25 & 45 km rides are on offer through spectacular scenery on single and jeep tracks. Contact Jan van Schalkwyk - 082 850 1062

Sign up for the first ever Cliff Path Night Run from Grotto Beach to the New Harbour. Pound the cliff paths, skim the single tracks, cross the Mussel River and enjoy a welcome cold drink at the end. Contact Paul du Toit 082 820 3331

Challenge yourself on a 15km Mtb or trail run time trial. Fast, furious and fun! A short warm up on tar, then it is you, the bush and the clock. Great jeep tracks, winding single tracks, very little climbing and some great fun. It is the challenge of the future, only yourself to beat. Cyclists will set of one by one every 30 sec and rock the daisies against the clock!

Consider a trial run? The 12 & 17 km Trail Runs will lead you where very few humans have ran before. Beautiful mountain trails, along river banks and forest tracks. The fynbos will be in full bloom with protea and heather in abundance. The 12 km climbs to 305 m, while the 17 km will have your heart pumping at 435 meters climbing. The 6 km Bosloop will take the novice on a run of a lifetime.

Swim with whales. Dive in for the 800 meters Open Water Swim in Southern Right Whales territory! Under strict supervision of Walker Bay Adventures and the NSRI we will take swimmers on a 400m outward bound buoy to return and finish in the Old Harbour. Contact Deon Ferreira - 082 460 2943

Entry forms for these events are available from The Wine Village or Euodia Cycles, or enter on line

Get on your mountain bike and enjoy Stanford’s race

Patti Legg — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:56:05 +0000

The annual mountain bike ride will take place on Saturday 3rd September and the organisers have set out 3 different routes leaving from Oom Tat’s pub.

60km – A new route, but still tough, technical and challenging. Only for the experienced, hardcore mountain biker! Check the website for profiles.
30km – Through the scenic farmlands. A bit of effort required.
10 km – An easy funride/walk on Willowdale Farm

Starting Times and entry fee :
60 km – 8.30 am, R100
25 km – 8.45 am R50
10 km – 9.00 am R20

Refreshments and food will be on sale.
Contact Mark and Mandy if you need more info and keep an eye out for further details on our website.
Mark – 082 6836313
Mandy – 082 2130512
Website – http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jcl/index.html
Email – StanfordAkkedis@gmail.com

Marianas…A “Spectator” review

Patti Legg — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:33:05 +0000

MARIANAS by Bibi van der Zee published on 2 July in the British Spectator.
At last, after many years of questing, I have had the perfect lunch. On
holiday in South Africa, and alone for the first time since our honeymoon
back in the pre-baby mists of time, we found our way to the tiny but famous Marianas, where they serve only lunch, and that just four times a week.
Peter, husband of the eponymous chef, greeted us like old friends and
ushered us to a little table, wreathed round by grape vines and anemones,
and looking down over the garden, through the vegetable plot, and up to
purple mountains that drowse behind Stanford.
We ordered wine by the glass, and the first sip of Hermanuspietersfontein
Sauvignon Blanc actually brought tears to my eyes. Peter brought home-made bread and talked us through the day’s menu, local foods all cooked with Mariana’s own twist of humour, some classical style and a subtle hand with ingredients. Starters were barley salad, springbok rillette, pear salad or gruyère tart, followed by pickled fish, confit de canard with lentils, apricots and honey, springbok pie, oink nek or skaap and dinges (’sheep with two teeth - lamb but slightly older, has a bit more flavour,’ explained Peter).
My pickled yellowtail fish in a cold curry sauce was tangy and wonderful,
while Mike’s tender oink nek (deboned neck of pork) came in a sea of buttery gravy. Full of giggly happiness and wriggling our toes in the sun, we ended our meal with a shared glass of sparkling wine with Peter and Mariana, and my favourite sort of rambling amiable political conversation. It’s an odd feeling to know you have actually had the perfect lunch. The quest for the perfect dinner, however, continues.
Since her return, Bibi has been drinking nothing but South African wine.

Plunging Penguins

Patti Legg — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:48:56 +0000

The 21st of June is the shortest day of the year; the Winter solstice, the official middle of winter. And to celebrate the day, and the fact that summer has to follow a long wet winter, the brave (mad) people of Stanford will be leaping into the icy Klein River in a community driven fund-raising initiative called the Penguin Plunge.

Around the world, people rise to the challenge to immerse themselves in the winter waters. In Canada, this ritual is held on New Year’s Day. In the United States, it’s called the Polar Plunge.

Springfontein Wine Estate will contribute the wine and Hennie’s Pub has volunteered to make a comforting Gluhwein to thaw out the frozen braves.

A donation covers the entry fee, and the proceeds will go to deserving local charities. Sign up with the editor of Stanford River Talk: ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za